Despite the deaths and vast power outages caused by Hurricane Matthew in the United States, many Americans on the east coast have been grateful that it hadn't reached its maximum power, which could have been cataclysmic. It seems that for the most part the crisis has been averted, however that is almost definitely not the case, especially when you examine the impacts the hurricane had in Haiti.
Since Hurricane Matthew (which was then considered a category four hurricane) touched down in Haiti, there have been various reports about the death toll ranging from 200 to over 800 people. These reports also don't include some of the regions that were the most affected by the hurricane, because the aid has been unable to reach these areas. On top of the incredibly high death tolls reports show that in the southern region, which was most impacted by the hurricane, almost 90% of the towns have been almost completely destroyed.
Many researchers also report that the hurricane would only further the cholera epidemic that has ravished Haiti since the earthquake in 2010. The water and infrastructure in Haiti were already not at the quality or sanitary level needed to keep a population safe. Hurricane Matthew only compounded the impacts of the previous earthquake, as the fast winds and heavy flooding only destroyed more of the already weak infrastructure, while also creating more locations for the bacteria that cause cholera to fester.
Haiti was already a country rebuilding from a major natural disaster, and Hurricane Matthew only contributed to the increased problems the country has to face if it wants to secure the safety and future of its people. Many people in Haiti consider cholera to be their biggest problem, so if they are able to find a suitable response to the epidemic, whether it be increased funding in the government for better sanitation or foreign aid that creates a better water treatment system, they would have the basis to fully reinvigorate the nation.
Ultimately, Hurricane Matthew has been devastating to Haiti as it destroyed communities, people's livelihoods, and the Haitian progress towards a better nation. Anyone can contribute to helping Haiti by donating, going and actually providing care for the sick and wounded, or even develop a new water treatment system. Despite all of the negative impacts of Hurricane Matthew, it has allowed Haiti to reemerge has a country in need of help, which it hasn't been receiving enough of in the last few years, which might be enough to get the nation back on its feet.
