Sunday afternoon, the de facto President Jocelerme Privert accompanied by several minister, civil protection authorities... gave a press conference live from the COUN around the passage of Matthew Category 4 hurricane, inviting people to prudence, to follow the instructions... and announcing the closure of schools for tomorrow Monday and Tuesday, but State offices will remain open, of measures taken by the government were also cited, including among others the prohibition of inter-departmental trip since Sunday 10h.

"the threat is still there and I can even say that it is reinforced if yesterday Saturday targeted departments were what we call the great South (Southeast, South, Nippes and Grand'Anse) today it is the whole country which is under threat from Matthew cyclone.

[...]

We can say that there is a real threat on the head of Haiti with the passage of cyclone Matthew.

[...]

It is important that you follow all the advice that the authorities give [...] so that the damage is the least possible if Matthew goes on Haiti and avoid loss of life.

The cyclone will bring strong winds over 240km/h with a lot of rain [...] there will be a lot of floods, landslides [...] it means that those who live near the sea, in flood zones, where there are landslides, the authorities must quickly asks them to move [...]

You must evacuate all areas that represent a danger to you [...] the sea will be bad, the sea will rise and without wasting time must you evacuate these areas [...]

People living in houses that could collapse it is necessary that you leave these houses to take refuge in schools, churches... [...]

I appeal to the solidarity of neighbors [...]

We are mobilized, we are with you today, we will be there tomorrow, there are measures that will be taken in relation to the school, we asked the Minister of National Education to announce that tomorrow there no school, but State offices will remain open to meet all their obligations as a public service. [MENFP indicated the MENFP decided to temporarily close schools on Monday 3 and Tuesday, October 4, 2016].

The schools will serve as shelters [...]" stated Jocelerme Privert.

Recall that according to the National Response Plan in Case of Disaster public schools will be used as temporary shelters. Departmental directors, together with inspectors and school officials must take all necessary measures for the implementation of this provision.

Listen the intervention of de facto president Jocelerme Privert and taht of Minister of the Interior :

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18787-haiti-flash-matthew-approaches-haiti-in-red-vigilance.html

HL/ HaitiLibre