Confusion, fear as Haiti camps evacuate for storm

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Fear and confusion is gripping more than 1 million homeless people in Haiti's rubble-choked capital tonight as Tropical Storm Tomas approaches.

Officials are advising them to abandon tent camps in Port-au-Prince but few of the earthquake survivors who live under the flimsy plastic tarps and tents have anywhere to go.

Slow reconstruction from the quake, prior storms and the recent commitment of government resources to fight a growing cholera epidemic have left people with few options. The government says there are more than 1,000 shelters available, but the term is loose and can refer to any building expected to stand up to high winds.

Meanwhile, a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch have been issued.

The center of the storm is expected to approach the island nation on Friday.

Winds have increased to near 45 mph and the National Hurricane Center says Tomas could be near hurricane strength as it gets closer. The storm is about 305 miles south-southwest of Port Au Prince.

%@AP Links

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<> 00:13 "issued for Haiti"

Eric Blake, hurricane specialist, National Hurricane Center

National Hurricane Center hurricane specialist Eric Blake says Tomas has strengthened again.

<> 00:09 "the Dominican Republic"

Eric Blake, hurricane specialist, National Hurricane Center

National Hurricane Center hurricane specialist Eric Blake says Tomas is affecting a wide swath of the Caribbean.

<> 00:15 "of 50 inches"

Eric Blake, hurricane specialist, National Hurricane Center

National Hurricane Center hurricane specialist Eric Blake says Tomas is on track to dump large amounts of rain on parts of Haiti.