Dr. Kesler Dalmacy: How to Tackle the Water Shortage to Survive the Current Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti

By: Kesler Dalmacy, M.D.

Underlying Issues:

Haiti faces a dire crisis, exacerbated by political turmoil and escalating insecurity. The difficulty in transporting goods, with many of Haiti’s ports under siege, has led to critical shortages of essential supplies, notably water and food. As these shortages intensify, we edge closer to a humanitarian catastrophe.

The scarcity of basic necessities has left many afraid to venture outside their homes. Stories like that of Vilma, a 53-year-old grandmother from Carrefour, who had to walk miles just to find two bottles of water, are becoming all too common. People are forced to buy water at premium prices, if they find any at all, putting the entire population at increased risk of diseases such as cholera, which has been a recurring threat in Haiti.

The continuation of this crisis could lead to widespread dehydration and famine. According to the UN, about 1 million Haitians are on the brink of famine, with nearly 350,000 displaced, living on the streets, or in constant flight from violence. Those, with homes, are confined, venturing out only for essentials, in a landscape where even water is becoming a rarity.

My Concerns:

In these challenging times, we, in the Haitian diaspora, share a profound concern for the well-being of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. The question of whether rainwater collection is a viable solution has been raised, and I approach this topic with caution and optimism. In the US, where clean, safe water is abundant, the contrast with Haiti’s reality, where only 30% have access to potable water, is stark. While rainwater is often seen as the purest form of water, it is crucial to understand that not all rainwater is safe for consumption due to potential contaminants. Nevertheless, with appropriate filtration and purification, rainwater can serve as a sustainable water source.

Collecting and Storing Water:

To mitigate scarcity, I encourage everyone living through the crisis to collect and store rainwater in clean, sealed containers. I also advise you to collect rainwater directly from the sky, avoiding contact with surfaces to minimize contamination. Furthermore, I recommend purifying the collected rainwater before use, to eliminate potential pollutants and pathogens.

Understanding Dehydration Risks:

Since water may become extremely scarce during this political and humanitarian crisis, the water crisis in Haiti could lead to severe dehydration risks. You must then ask yourself: How long is too long to stay without drinking water?

The general consensus usually references “the rule of 3” meaning that a person can survive for about 3 days without water under normal conditions, meaning they are not sweating, they not physically active, or they not moving around. However, it takes less time to become dehydrated if you are walking, if you are exerting yourself physically, or if you live in Haiti where you are sweating. The “rule of 3” does not apply in Haiti’s relentless heat.

Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, and dehydration can, in turn, severely impact your health, particularly your kidney functions. The lack of adequate water intake can also lead to other significant health issues. Sustained dehydration can cause your kidneys to shut down. As your kidneys shut down, the rest of your body will start to suffer, which potentially will lead to life-threatening conditions. Your brain, liver, and eventually, your heart can be affected and fail.

Recognizing Dehydration Symptoms:

It’s crucial to recognize the early signs of dehydration to prevent it from worsening. A headache often serves as one of the first indicators of dehydration. If not addressed, dehydration can lead to heat stroke, cause confusion and disorientation. Victims may experience a diminished appetite due to nausea and dizziness. You should monitor the color and volume of your urine as indicators. If you have dark urine coupled with a headache, it likely signals dehydration. Additionally, a significant reduction in your urination points to severe dehydration.

Treatment of Dehydration is Based on Severity:

The treatment for dehydration depends on its severity. For mild cases, drinking water and rest are often sufficient remedies. If you’re experiencing dehydration, avoid physical exertion for several hours and stay hydrated by drinking water with a small amount of salt and sugar added. Resting in a cool, shaded area with your feet elevated can also be beneficial. In cases of severe dehydration, seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention is Key:

Preventing dehydration starts with addressing water scarcity. Begin collecting and storing rainwater now to ensure a steady supply. Rainwater harvesting is a viable and sustainable option. After you collect rainwater, you should implement systems for purifying it to secure a consistent source. Practicing judicious water use and adopting austerity measures are crucial to enduring the crisis with sufficient water.

Stay safe, stay well hydrated,
Dr. Kesler Dalmacy

Dr Kesler Dalmacy
DrDalmacy,com/ info@DrDalmacy.com
+1 917-282-7839

Disclaimer:

No blog articles can replace the expertise of a licensed physician. This open letter/article in this website/DrDalmacy.com blog platform is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. This blog is not intended as medical advice. Please make certain that you consult your doctor or a qualified clinician or medical professional before making any decisions affecting your health, particularly if you have any symptoms that require treatment. Neither Dr. Kesler Dalmacy, nor DrDalmacy.com accept liability should you choose to self-prescribe or treat yourself.