PADF Prepared to Respond as Hurricane Irene Moves Toward Northern Haiti and the Dominican Republic

With Hurricane Irene already projected as a major hurricane by Thursday and currently threatening the north coast of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is prepared to respond to this year’s first Atlantic hurricane.

Following heavy flooding in Puerto Rico, Hurricane Irene is now tracking toward Haiti and the Dominican Republic and could strengthen further as it follows a west-northwest projected path toward the Bahamas. Forecasters say Irene could become a major Category 3 hurricane with winds of up to 115 mph (184 km/h) in the next 72 hours. Already, maximum sustained winds have been recorded at 80 mph (130 km/h) with gusts up to 100 mph (160 km/h) prompting the U.S. National Hurricane Center to issue a hurricane warning for the northern coast of the Dominican Republic and a hurricane watch for the north coast of Haiti.

To view an interactive map, click here.

The National Hurricane Center predicts as much as 20 inches (50.8 cm) of heavy rain that would cause “life-threatening” flash floods. Haiti continues to remain severely unprepared for disasters of this scale. Disaster officials have begun to warn residents to prepare to evacuate due to the threat of deadly flooding.

As the first named hurricane of the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Irene could seriously impact Haitian communities who are still severely vulnerable to new disasters. Flooding would bring further water contamination and depletion of resources.

PADF, in cooperation with Haitian emergency management authorities and on-the-ground partners, is prepared to respond. To support PADF’s relief work, individuals and companies can take action by donating online here or calling our toll free number (877) 572-4484.

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Pan American Development Foundation PADF is a is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1962 to promote, facilitate and implement social and economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2010, it helped more than 10.2 million beneficiaries in 22 countries. www.padf.org

PADF is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Haiti. With nearly three decades of work on the ground, PADF manages a large portfolio of activities ranging from community-driven development to protecting human rights. www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org