The situation has become extremely critical in the North-West department after torrential rains hit the region between April 11 and 13, 2026.
The communes of Port-de-Paix, Saint-Louis du Nord, and Anse-à-Foleur are currently the hardest hit by severe flooding, which could worsen if the rainfall continues. According to a report from the departmental Civil Protection directorate of the North-West, the human toll is tragic, with 12 deaths recorded in the 1st, 3rd, and 4th sections of Saint-Louis du Nord.
In addition to the loss of life, several serious injuries have been reported, including one person hospitalized in Saint-Louis du Nord and a woman injured while attempting to cross floodwaters in Bas Vieux-Joux.
On the material level, the damage is considerable and is paralyzing the region’s socio-economic life. In Port-de-Paix and surrounding areas, more than 800 homes have been flooded, particularly in Bas Vieux-Joux, Gros-Sable, and Aubert. Infrastructure has also been heavily affected: the Austrian Hospital is flooded and its perimeter wall damaged, while the Ti Rivyè bridge has been completely destroyed.
Departmental roads are now impassable, blocking transportation and forcing a complete halt to school and commercial activities in Saint-Louis du Nord and Anse-à-Foleur. The agricultural sector has also been severely impacted, with devastated crops and significant livestock losses swept away by floodwaters, particularly in Chansolme.
Faced with this disaster, entire families have been forced to flee their homes to escape the raging rivers. Although the Departmental Emergency Operations Center (COUD) has been partially activated to coordinate relief efforts and mobilize volunteers, teams on the ground are facing serious logistical challenges and inaccessible roads.
The priority now is mobilization to meet the urgent needs of the affected population. Local authorities are calling for assistance to provide food supplies, clean water, hygiene kits, and sanitation materials to prevent contamination risks. Awareness campaigns are ongoing to urge the population to remain vigilant, while evacuation and clearing of high-risk areas remain the top priority for emergency services.
