Five Haitian Departments Placed Under Yellow Alert Until Friday

Haiti's Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM), attached to the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR), issued a yellow alert on Thursday, October 22 for five departments: Grand'Anse, South, Nippes, South-East and West, according to Le Nouvelliste and Haiti Libre. The bulletin warns of "heavy rains and risk of thunderstorms." According to Haiti Libre, a low-pressure system located toward the central and northwestern Caribbean Sea is bringing the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to the affected departments. The effects were expected to begin Thursday afternoon and continue through Friday, October 23. Rainfall could reach between 50 and 100 millimeters, accompanied by strong winds, which may trigger flooding and landslides in high-risk areas. The UHM, the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) and the Permanent Secretariat for Disaster Risk Management (SPGRD) urged the public—especially those in vulnerable, high-risk zones—to remain vigilant, follow official directives, move belongings and important documents to safe locations, prepare several days of essentials, and avoid travel to mountainous areas or near waterways during rainfall. Authorities advised residents to rely on official statements rather than rumors.