World Vision Haiti Mobilizes Emergency Response as Hurricane Melissa Intensifies
Port-au-Prince, Haiti – 27 October 2025 – As Hurricane Melissa strengthens and has become a major category 5 hurricane, World Vision Haiti is rapidly scaling up its emergency response to protect vulnerable children and families across the affected departments of Haiti.
On 25 October, the Government of Haiti raised the alert level to red for Grand’Anse and Sud, the highest level of warning. South-East, Nippes, and West departments remain on orange alert, with authorities urging communities to follow official guidance and avoid high-risk areas.
In the South, 124 households living in precarious areas in Les Cayes, Île-à-Vache, and Coteaux began relocating to emergency shelters on 24 October. Schools across the Grand South have suspended classes due to severe weather and their use as temporary shelters.
According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), unstable weather conditions are expected to persist, with intense rainfall, flooding, and landslides likely in coastal and mountainous areas. Already, three fatalities and one serious injury have been reported following a landslide in Fontamara, Port-au-Prince. Rivers have overflowed in multiple departments, damaging homes, roads, and critical infrastructure.
Agricultural livelihoods are under severe threat. Heavy rains and strong winds have damaged crops, obstructed access to farmland and markets, and disrupted fishing activities along the southern coast. In Mapou (South-East), 15 hectares of maize have been lost. These impacts jeopardize the upcoming winter agricultural season and risk deepening food insecurity.
According to the October 2025 IPC analysis, over 1.4 million people in the affected departments are already in Crisis (IPC Phase 3), with 350,000 in Emergency (IPC Phase 4). Without urgent intervention, the storm could push more families into deeper vulnerability.
World Vision Haiti has activated its Incident Management Team (IMT) at both national and regional levels and is coordinating closely with the Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) and humanitarian partners. Prepositioned relief supplies are ready to support 3,000 households, including hygiene kits, kitchen sets, and shelter materials. Rapid response teams are on standby to deploy as conditions allow.
To meet immediate needs, World Vision Haiti has allocated USD 300,000 from its National Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund (NEPRF). The organization is actively engaging with the Partnership and donors to secure flexible, timely funding to scale up its response. Fundraising appeals will be finalized following rapid needs assessments and ongoing coordination with national authorities.
“Children and families in Haiti are facing compounding crises,” said Lesly Michaud, Country Program Director. “We are committed to standing with communities through this storm and beyond, ensuring they receive the support they need to recover and rebuild.”
World Vision Haiti continues to monitor the situation closely and remains focused on protecting the most vulnerable, restoring livelihoods, and supporting long-term resilience.
Media Contact:
Guy F. Vital-Herne
Communications and Church Relations Manager
World Vision International Haiti
Email: guy_vital-herne@wvi.org
Phone: +509 3711-1653