As Hurricane Ike dissipates to a category 1, many parts of the Caribbean have been left to pick up the pieces in its wake. At least 70 have been killed in Haiti and widespread devastation is reported across Cuba as winds exceeding 130 km/h sweep across the island [CNN].
Haiti had already been hard hit by Hurricane Hanna which left more than 500 dead. The US has been largely unscathed by the hurricanes this season. Around 4 deaths have been associated with hurricane Hanna and around 25 with Hurricane Gustav. However, over a million were evacuated and there was widespread destruction, though not on a scale as seen in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Nearly 2,000 died in the US in the storm and the floods that followed and damage exceeded $81.2 billion, making it the costliest natural disaster in US history. But for Haiti, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, the damage caused by Hanna and Ike has left the population desperate for help. Aid had already been delivered to the island following the passing of hurricane Hanna [BBC]. But fresh calls for international aid have been made by the newly installed Prime Minister, Michele Pierre Louis and the Red Cross. Donations can be made to the international aid organisation on +44 8450 53 53 53. CNN.com/impact also gives details on how aid may be given.
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