23364: (Chamberlain) Haiti-Storm Aftermath (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

   GONAIVES, Oct 3 (AP) -- The death toll from floods unleashed by Tropical
Storm Jeanne rose sharply Sunday to nearly 2,000 people, with many still
missing, as officials said they found hundreds more bodies in Haiti's
devastated northwestern region.
   Officials, who had previously put the toll at 1,550 dead and about 900
missing, could not immediately provide specifics on the higher toll, but
said hundreds more bodies were found in recent days in areas outside the
hard-hit town of Gonaives.
   The new toll stands at 1,970 dead and 884 missing, said Dieufort
Deslorges, a spokesman for Haiti's civil protection agency.
   An estimated 300,000 Haitians were left homeless, most in Gonaives, by
floods unleashed by Jeanne more than two weeks ago. Officials said most of
the missing can be presumed dead -- washed out to sea or buried in debris.