After months of political upheaval that followed the ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Haiti is once again facing turmoil after devastating floods in the southeastern part of the city have left thousands dead or homeless.

The violent flooding, that also wrecked havoc in the neighboring country of the Dominican Republic, have caused terrible suffering and economic loss in the two countries. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) estimates that the death toll could reach 2,000, and as many 60,000 persons have been affected by the destruction, including 25,000 who lost their homes and all personal belongings.

"These losses exacerbate the pre-existing problem of food insecurity and the undernourishment most communities suffered prior to the catastrophe," said Bishop Robert N. Lynch, chair of Catholic Relief Services. "The disaster has destroyed community infrastructure and has disrupted basic services, social networks and livelihood coping systems throughout the poor farming and marginal urban populations living in the affected regions.

CRS had been working in both countries to provide for the urgent needs of the affected communities, providing cash for food, water, clothing, medicines and other non-food essentials.

Donations to the ongoing relief fund collection for the flooding victims in Haiti and the Dominican Republic may be sent to Catholic Relief Services, c/o Maria Perales, Justice and Peace Office, 3424 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010.