200,000 Haitians will die if unaided, says missionary

(December 15, 2010) The head of the Camillian Mission in Haiti is warning that 200,000 Haitians will die, and 400,000 will be infected with cholera, if the pandemic is not stopped soon. Fr. Antonio Menegon told Fides Catholic agency that the situation is deteriorating further and further on the island. He reported that violence is also raging throughout the country following the outcome of the elections. He said for this reason, foreign embassies, ports and airports are closed, and roads have been blocked and we cannot supply medicines and food. The priest added that their hospital continues to welcome people sick with cholera but some have died and some have recovered. Stating that the cholera epidemic has claimed 2,100 Haitians so far, the missionary priest appealed for further aid to stem the tragedy.