VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) — The Virginia-based humanitarian organization Operation Blessing International is preparing for the worst if a tropical storm hits Haiti.
Operation Blessing says staff from the Virginia Beach organization is scheduled to arrive in Haiti on Friday ahead of Tropical Storm Isaac. The storm was approaching hurricane strength on Thursday and expected to move into the Gulf Coast early next week.
Ahead of Isaac, Operation Blessing is filling reserve fuel tanks, delivering clean water to a small fishing community and preparing an emergency response boat, among many other actions.
Operation Blessing says it was among the first responders to the impoverished island in 2010 after a devastating earthquake. The organization says Haiti is ill-prepared to deal with a storm with many still living in tents and makeshift shelters.
