Forecasts have Hurricane Matthew making a direct hit on Haiti as a category 4 storm,” said Ken Kim, World Renew’s Director of Disaster Response and Rehabilitation. “This has potential to be catastrophic for the people of Haiti. Please join me in praying that this won’t happen.”

Storm trackers predict that Hurricane Matthew will be one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in recent years, bringing with it heavy rains and winds that can cause flooding, landslides, and severe damage to homes and infrastructure. These rains and winds have already hit parts of Jamaica, but Haiti is expected to bear the brunt of the storm before it continues on to Cuba, the Bahamas and the United States.

Hurricane Matthew represents a serious threat for various countries in its path, including Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti. With gusts of wind over 200km/h and estimated rainfall over 300-600mm, this storm is massive and the devestation could be significant.

World Renew staff members in Haiti – who operate jointly (with World Missions and Back to God) under the name Sous Espwa – are taking precautions. They have shut down their offices and have encouraged their staff and partners to seek shelter. 

In Duchity, a community in south-western Haiti, World Renew has been supporting a 2,000 farmer cooperative since December 2015. This community lies directly in the current path of Hurricane Matthew, and precautions are being taken to keep community members safe. Your prayers for these farmers, others in Haiti, and those in surrounding countries are greatly needed.

When and if the storm makes landfall, World Renew is prepared to quickly assess needs and respond to requests from its partner organizations.

We will keep you updated as more details become available.