Race against time to reach town where 1,000 feared dead

With dark clouds moving in and more rain predicted, US and Canadian troops raced against time today to reach a small town where up to 1,000 people were feared dead from floods that wiped out villages across Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

It was one of the worst disasters to hit the Caribbean in decades.

Ferrying drinking water and basic supplies, the multinational forces also took UN assessment teams to determine the gravity of the situation.

With most of Mapou submerged in 10 foot waters, as many as 1,000 people were feared dead, said Margarette Martin, the government’s representative for Haiti’s south-east province.

About 300 bodies had been counted so far in the Haitian town and many more have yet to be collected, said Dr. Yvon Lavissiere, the health director for the region.

We’re fighting time because weather is turning bad again.” said US Marine Lt. Col. Dave Lapan.

Weekend rains lashed the island of Hispaniola, which Haiti shares with the Dominican Republic, sweeping away entire neighbourhoods.

The US National Weather Service said at least three inches of rain were expected for the southern border region between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.