The Flood

During the last few days of October 2007,  Hurricane Noel  hit The Dominican Republic, bringing over five days of heavy rainfall across the island (up to 21 inches in one location), winds up to 60 mph, and severe flooding in some areas.   Crop damage, mudslides, and power outages were widespread - prisoners even had to be released due to flooding.  The following pictures were taken shortly after the devastation and show the impact to Habanero and God's grace in sparing much of this tiny village.

Homes flooded - lives devastated. When you don't have much, everything is precious. We are so thankful the school was not flooded and is available to shelter families. Six families have been living in the school since Tropical Storm Noel passed through the Dominican Republic.

Crops Ruined - A local farmer's land full of crops now ruined due to Tropical Storm Noel.

Although the waters came within feet of the building - our school was spared. As of November 15th, there are still three families living in the school. Their homes were completely destroyed.

Habanero, Dominican Republic. Some families lost everything: clothing, furniture, shoes. However, we are thankful there was no loss of life in Habanero.