Haiti Begins Cleanup in the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaac

When Tropical Storm Isaac hit Haiti with torrential rains and high winds over the weekend, it didn't do the widespread damage that was most feared. However, Mission Network News reports, the rain caused flooding in many tent cities, as well as mudslides and downed trees and power lines. In other areas, high winds shredded tents and caused the complete collapse of one small makeshift camp outside of Port-au-Prince. Storm-related accidents killed 24 people, although government authorities evacuated 15,000. Damage assessments are just beginning, but ministries are already stepping in to help. "The initial response is just to provide food and water," said Paul Jenks, president of AMG International. "Then, as the trauma is assessed, there are other ways that we as Christians can come alongside and do triage, and hopefully even some counseling that would bring hope -- a sense of the Lord's presence to these people."