Haiti Faces Critical Shortages Ahead of Intensified Hurricane Season

As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season looms, set to last until November 30, Haiti’s national humanitarian coordination team is sounding the alarm on a troubling lack of emergency resources. With forecasts predicting a stronger-than-average storm season, humanitarian leaders warn the country is gravely underprepared to respond to potential disasters, both natural and manmade.

Despite escaping major hurricanes in 2024, Haiti endured catastrophic rains that affected over 300,000 people, caused 26 deaths, and damaged more than 40,000 homes. In 2025, meteorologists are expecting even worse. Yet, the country’s emergency supply stocks are at historic lows, and critical funding remains nearly nonexistent.

Nation on the Edge: Weather and Violence Collide

Haiti is among the world’s most disaster-vulnerable nations, with 96% of its population exposed to extreme weather events. But climate threats are not the only emergency facing Haitians. Armed violence has surged dramatically, displacing 1.3 million people—over half of them children. Nearly 230,000 now live in makeshift camps, many of which lack even basic shelter from storms or flooding.

This confluence of violent conflict and environmental risk is placing an unbearable strain on aid systems. According to Ulrika Richardson, the United Nations’ Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, “I am deeply concerned for the safety of communities already affected by violence and displacement. Without immediate support, they may be left without essential assistance during the critical first hours of an emergency.”

Emergency Stockpiles Near Empty

In partnership with local and international groups, Haiti’s humanitarian agencies have managed to pre-position a limited cache of life-saving supplies. These include water purification kits, hygiene products, tarps, blankets, trauma and reproductive health kits, nutritional items, and HIV prevention materials. Some cash assistance programs are also being prepared to help vulnerable households brace for the impact of a storm.

However, the most essential supplies—namely food and financial reserves—are simply not available. For the first time in recent memory, Haiti begins the hurricane season with no pre-stocked food aid and no flexible funding to mount a rapid response. This is particularly worrisome given that 5.7 million Haitians, more than half the population, are already suffering from acute food insecurity.

A Race Against Time and Inaction

The Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti for 2025 calls for $908 million in aid to address these escalating crises. Yet by mid-June, only 8% of that amount had been secured.

“The humanitarian community stands in solidarity with the Haitian people,” said Ms. Richardson. “But without a significant boost in resources, our ability to respond quickly and with dignity remains severely limited. I call on the government and our partners to act decisively, in a coordinated and united manner, to protect the most vulnerable as we face the growing threat of a climate emergency.”

A Dire Need for Global Solidarity

Haiti’s current humanitarian crisis is more than a funding issue—it’s a test of international will. With the hurricane season already underway, and violent instability continuing to upend lives, time is running out. The nation’s ability to weather what may lie ahead depends not only on nature but on whether the world chooses to respond with urgency and compassion.

The Haitian Tribune will continue monitoring the situation closely and urges its readers, stakeholders, and policymakers to stay informed and mobilized. In the face of compounding threats, solidarity and swift action are the only safeguards for the people of Haiti.