The city of Les Cayes and coastal towns and villages in the south west of Haiti experienced the most destruction.

Les Cayes and surrounding areas are the focus of concern for Catholic Relief Services.

Matthew hit the island with 145-mile-per-hour winds.

It has reduced from a category four to a category three storm but may strengthen again to a category four storm when it hits the Bahamas and Florida.

It has so far claimed the lives of 11 people in Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Forecasters expect Matthew to dump up to 40 inches of rain in some areas.

Catholic Relief Service communications manager, Kim Pozniak, said Les Cayes landslide potential is high.

She added staff are troubled over the well-being of residents who decided to stay in their homes despite calls to evacuate.

"I was told by staff in Les Cayes yesterday that the government was going around with megaphones to alert people.

"But many decided to stay put to protect their homes and belongings.

"We've heard that some people did not think the storm would be as severe as predicted," Pozniak said.

She said Chris Bessey, Catholic Relief Service country director, had been in contact with CRS staff in Les Cayes, despite disruptions in electrical and internet service.

"Trees were knocked down and also there was some flooding already," she said.

Source

• The Tablet
• www.bostonglobe.com