G5-Deforestation of Haiti Lowerlevel-03

Cutting down the forests has led to an increase in soil erosion. The increase of erosion leaves hillside huts and poorly built homes dangerously unprotected. The steep hillsides are likely to have mudslides when the soil becomes soaked. This would not be as much of a problem if there were trees to hold the soil in place.

Many of the country’s people work on farms. Because there are no trees to hold the soil in place, erosion is a huge problem. In rural areas, topsoil used for farming is often washed away. For a country dependent on farming, it cannot afford to lose its soil.

A group of people try to cross the river La Digue after the collapse of the only bridge in Petit Goave, Haiti. [EPA]

When hurricane Matthew passed over Haiti, the results were shocking. The large amount of rain that fell during the hurricane was not soaked up into the ground. The water ran quickly over the land into streams and rivers. The rivers quickly became fast-moving currents of mud and water carrying away everything in its path.

The death toll is now recorded at over 1000 victims. Many of these deaths were impacted by the lack of trees. With the bridges washed out, it became impossible to get help to the injured. Many people think that high winds are the most dangerous part of a hurricane, but actually, almost half the deaths in hurricanes are due to severe flooding.

In Haiti, the effects of a hurricane are greater. Haiti is a prime example of how humans can impact erosion. We often think of erosion as an agricultural issue, but its effects can be much more direct to human lives.