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Tropical depression threatens further devastation in Haiti following earthquake
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Tropical depression threatens further devastation in Haiti following earthquake
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Tropical Depression Grace could bring flash floods and mudslides to the area.

A tropical storm could possibly bring more devastation to the part of Haiti where the deadly 7.2-magnitude earthquake took more than 1,300 lives.

On Monday (Aug. 16), Tropical Depression Grace moved toward the southern coast of Hispaniola, the island that includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic, reports CNN. The storm could bring up to 15 inches of rain to the area, along with powerful winds. “I am worried about the upcoming storm as it can complicate the situation for us,” Jerry Chandler, head of Haiti’s local protection agency, said. He also told the outlet that rain and “possible floods in the affected area by the earthquake” could “be a complication to an already complicated situation.”

Chandler also stated that he was concerned about how the rain and flooding would affect the citizens who are currently sleeping outside since the earthquake took place on Aug. 14.

The deadly quake killed more than 1,300 people and destroyed more than 13,500 homes. Additionally, almost 6,000 people were injured. Relief efforts are currently underway, but the destruction has made it very difficult for supplies and help to reach the areas that have been affected.

On Monday, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry made a vow to speed up aid and rescue endeavors. “We will increase our efforts tenfold to reach, in terms of assistance, the maximum number of victims possible,” he wrote on Twitter. “Faced with this emergency, there is no respite.”

According to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, the U.S. military’s Southern Command has sent a team of 14 personnel to evaluate the situation in Haiti to see how they can provide support. The U.S. Navy is helping with “unmanned and manned aircraft to provide aerial images of earthquake devastation,” he said.

We continue to send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Haiti.