Deforestation raises the risk of flooding in Haiti

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A woman sells charcoal in Gonaives. The demand for charcoal has led to rmpant deforestation, leaving the town vulnerable to flooding and landslides.

02/12

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A woman sells charcoal in Gonaives. The demand for charcoal has led to rmpant deforestation, leaving the town vulnerable to flooding and landslides.

03/12

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Deforestation in central Haiti

04/12

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An aerial view of the artibonite river in central Haiti.

05/12

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The city of Gonaives dwarfed by barren mountains, whose lack of vegetation leaves the city vulnerable to flooding and landslides.

06/12

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Flooding from Hurricane Hanna washed away transport links like this road outside Gonaives, Haiti

07/12

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The dusty streets of Gonaives. After floodwaters receed, tons of mud and dust are left behind.

08/12

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Vehicles drive through the dusty streets of Gonaives

09/12

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Vehicles drive through the dusty streets of Gonaives

10/12

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A girl collects water in Gonaives' where most of the population lives on under $2 per day

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A girl collects water in Gonaives' where most of the population lives on under $2 per day

12/12

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Draininge canals are part of a project to lessen Gonaives' vulnerability to flooding.

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Deforestation has transformed Haiti's landscape leaving several cities highly vulnerable to flooding and mudslides. Two percent of Haiti's land is still forested, but charcoal remains in high demand for cooking fuel. Gonaives. 7th-10th November 2009

In 1923 around 60% of Haiti was covered by forests. By 2006 the figure was 2%. The trees are cut down for charcoal, which is used almost universally as fuel for cooking. As a result, the hills of Haiti have become barren and unprotected. The fertile topsoil is wahsed away by rain, reducing the productivity of the land. The lack of vegetation also leaves the settlements below highly vulnerable to the flooding and mudslides which periodically afflict the country during the hurricane season. In 2004 and 2008 the town of Gonaives was devastated by a series of hurricanes and troical storms killing thousands.