Haitians Starving in Hanna Hell

Impoverished Haiti is reeling from the devastation of a series of tropical storms and hurricanes, with refugees starving on rooftops in flood-ravaged areas, reports the Guardian. Faced with washed-out roads and winds too strong for helicopters, UN aide workers are using inflatable boats to reach at least some survivors. The storms have killed 136 in Haiti and left thousands homeless.

Haitians "have been on top of the roofs of their homes over 24 hours now," said a government official. "They have no water, no food and we can't even help them." Tropical Storm Fay hit three weeks ago, followed by Gustav and then Hanna on Tuesday. Hurricane Ike may deal the country yet another blow before heading to the US. (More Haiti stories.)