Residents refuse to evacuate as hurricane bears down on Haiti

Hurricane Tomas is lashing earthquake-ravaged Haiti with heavy rains as authorities call on residents, many whom live in tent cities, to evacuate. Many, however, have ignored government orders to evacuate and are preparing to ride out the storm.

Reuters/Eduardo Munoz

UN needs for Haiti

150,000 tarpaulins

90,000 cases of soap

90,000 hygiene kits

200 tents

Many fear that if they leave their tents they will not be allowed to return.

In a television address, Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive urged Haitians to seek shelter in schools and hospitals, "My sisters and brothers, leave the zones that are at risk, I beg of you."

The hurricane was packing winds of 130 kilometres per hour and is expected to pass near western Haiti on Friday.

1.3 million people were left homeless by the earthquake, which killed over 230,000 Haitians. The Caribbean country is also suffering from a deadly cholera epidemic that has killed over 440 people.

Tomas has already killed 14 people in Saint Lucia and regained hurricane strength on Friday, the US National Hurricane Centre said.

Haitian authorities and non-governmental organisation were rushing to secure food and medicine stocks before the arrival of the storm. Doctors and relief workers fear that the hurricane could set back efforts to contain the cholera outbreak.