Haiti’s rural poor hit hard by one-two punch.

Haiti (MNN)–A double scourge of a military coup and deadly flooding threatens Haiti’s attempts at recovery.

It’s a one-two punch for the country’s rural poor. In the north, the successful effort to force out President Jean Bertrand Aristide left a trail of devastation in its wake.

While some aid came in, when deadly flooding hit the south, that aid was diverted to meet needs there. The result was skyrocketing prices and scarce food supplies.

For Haiti With Love’s Eva DeHart says the challenge comes now in survival and restoration. “So many things have been destroyed, that jobs that they used to have simply aren’t there anymore because the buildings that they operated out of aren’t there. So, this recovery is going to take a long time, and there are going to be a lot of people who die before it gets squared away.”

Surprisingly, one obstacle comes not from the rebels, but from the church body who is sending the assistance. DeHart says, “The people who are willing to help don’t feel safe. We need something in place in the way of security and peace so that people feel like they can go down and help, and not be in danger.”

For Haiti With Love is getting supplies in country, in spite of the fact that Cap Haitien’s airport was destroyed in the coup. Pray that the distribution goes well, and that those getting help will understand the love of Christ better.