Gustav Devastates 'Vulnerable' Haiti

Some 4,000 people were left without shelter and 25,000 were left without drinking water, Caritas said.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Zenit) - Hurricane Gustav wrought a devastating blow to one of the countries that is already among the world's poorest, reported Caritas-Haiti.

Haiti, which habitually depends on international aid, suffered "serious damage to homes, the infrastructure and agriculture," the aid organization informed. Some 4,000 people were left without shelter and 25,000 were left without drinking water, Caritas said.

Aid officials lamented that this natural disaster "hit an especially vulnerable country, which in recent months has suffered from severe food shortage."

Caritas-Haiti is carrying out an "urgent evaluation of priority needs," to request aid from the international network.

The U.S. Caritas disaster response team mobilized last Friday. Kim Burgo, director of the team, said: "Using our experience in hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we are prepared to respond to Gustav long-term with speed, efficiency and commitment."