higher sea levels

This is the most damage that the streets of Les Cayes suffered in the Hurricane Dean aftermath. So far, only a few deaths have been reported throughout the southern department.

just brushed

The eye of the hurricane passed south of the coast of Haiti. Thus far there has been little rain and only tropical storm-force winds. A few trees fell and the water on the beaches rose several feet. The waves are actually quite impressive.

Our kids were all staying in the primary school for the night and are fine.

Hurricane Dean moves off toward Jamaica and has, thankfully, left Haiti relatively unscathed.

before the strike

"Everyone" is watching the progress 0f Hurricane Dean except those in the Department of the South in Haiti. One does not find too many televisions and radios around these parts any how. Locals express incredulity that anything will actually happen (it has, afterall, been over 20 years since Haiti took a direct hit from a major hurricane). The sky is getting grayer -- taking on that yellow color that it often does before major storms -- and the winds are picking up. The vendors are still in the streets, their wares blowing back and forth. The government sent out alerts... but they are not doing much (they really cannot do much).

The market this morning was empty. No one is stocking water. The guy next door is still washing cars. The streets are full of activity.

The UN is doing what is possible in their limited capabilities to aid the local population -- but this is not exactly their mandate. But either way, no one else is here to do anything: preventative relief is not a priority for the global community so funding is nearly non-existant. Aid will come after; already some major huminatarian relief organizations gearing up to fund the "disaster zones."

If Dean comes too close, southern Haiti will suffer greatly -- even without a direct hit.

Hurricane Dean

No doubt about it, a big one's headed our way.

Hurricane Dean.

The Weather Underground has a pretty good series of maps if you care to view.

The sucker's getting bigger... We're just hoping it slips through Jamaica and Haiti and doesn't head north at any point. Otherwise, next week is going to be all about disaster relief.