We are saddened to hear the continued reports of the serious drought affecting Haiti. This extended drought, along with a spate of natural disasters in the past few years, has resulted in massive crop loss, lack of fresh water, and livestock die-off. An estimated 1.5 million Haitians face hunger due to poor harvests driven by a lack of water, and by rising food costs.

In the higher elevations of Haiti, roughly 5,000 feet above sea level, substantial rain hasn’t been seen since early 2014. For these remote villages, the closest available water source is often more than 30 miles down the mountain — an impossible distance and trek for those on foot. As a result, while extremely rare, the severe water shortage has caused at least five deaths and the situation may only get more desperate.
Across the country, dehydration is a constant threat, especially for young children and the elderly. What little water comes to villages via motorcycle or truck is offered up at exorbitant prices to the highest bidders, but even this can be contaminated and spread illness. As the crisis worsens, fighting has broken out at distribution points, proving just how desperate people are for water.
At Barco’s Nightingales, we’ve seen a substantial increase in the numbers of people visiting our solar water wells to get water, and we are extremely grateful that these wells are providing at least some relief.
The good news is that scientists are predicting a significant El Nino this winter, and while months away, everyone is hopeful that it will bring substantial rains and replenish rivers, ground water, and wells.
~Michael and Frida Donner