Authorities in Haiti have reported 339 deaths, Reuters reports, citing local officials. Many of the deaths were caused by falling trees or other debris. The Caribbean nation has been the hardest hit by the hurricane, suffering the most casualties and severe structural damage. The storm has destroyed more than 3,200 homes, displaced 15,000 people and decimated plantations and livestock.
"Haiti is facing the largest humanitarian event witnessed since the earthquake six years ago," said Mourad Wahba, the UN special representative for Haiti, as quoted in USA Today.
"Much of the population is displaced and communication systems are down. At least 10,000 people are in shelter. We've received reports of destroyed houses and overflowing hospitals with shortages of buckets and fresh water."
Comment: Defying historical norms, Hurricane Matthew also developed in a high-intensity wind shear environment facing headwinds of 30MPH and formed below the 15 degree north latitude marker - an area traditionally too close to the equator to allow the requisite spin for tropical formation and development. See: Unusual Atlantic storm: Matthew may hit US as Category 5 Hurricane next week
Meanwhile in the Pacific, Typhoon Chaba has just set new records in South Korea.