NEW YORK, N.Y., Fri. September 24: The focus in Haiti has now shifted somewhat from the dead to the living, as UNICEF aid workers last night expressed concern that an epidemic may add to the woes of a people weakened by days of hunger. The Haitian Civil Protection yesterday placed the death total at 1,013 and 1,200 missing but UN staff estimate that number could rise dramatically in the coming days as there are still two areas of town which are under water and inaccessible. Mass graves now dot the landscape and many of the dead are being buried without being properly identified, said UNICEF officials yesterday. But for those who lived through the flood which devastated Haiti’s northern city of Gonaives, there is now a struggle for food, shelter and survival – survival, made even more difficult by the real and growing threat of disease and epidemic spreading through the flooded areas. A lack of clean water is forcing people to drink, bathe and cook in water contaminated by rotting animals, raw sewage and unburied bodies, say aid workers of the body and UNICEF Communication Officer Sylvana Nzirorera says it is a race against time to prevent the outbreak of diseases such as cholera or typhoid. “This is a big concern, not only for UNICEF but also for the government and other humanitarian organizations. We have to work quickly to not only get medicine, but to get the city clean. But cleaning the city is going to be very, very difficult, because the mud is really very high,” she stated. UNICEF has set up 20 shelters around Gonaives to house several thousand people. The town’s cathedral, along with some of the schools which are still standing, are also being used as shelters and the organization has sent more than 400,000 sachets of water purification powder and high protein biscuits to the shelters, to try and keep the women and children hydrated and fed. But after five days without enough food, hunger and frustration are growing. Reports from Gonaives say the atmosphere in the town is tense and there have been attempts to loot the Food Distribution Centres. “For reasons that anybody can understand,” says Nzirorera. “In this situation, people have been out of food and water since Saturday evening. Now they are very, very hungry. They really almost jump on whatever they can get. That’s why the security situation is very difficult in distribution centers.” UNICEF staff in Gonaives are also focusing on the needs of children, making sure they get food, water and medicine. The floods have left many children orphaned; others have been separated from their families. “We are trying to help the children to see if they can get identified, get back to their mothers and families if it’s possible,” explained Nzirorera, adding that even amidst the death and destruction, many pregnant women in the town has brought on early labor with about ten babies are being delivered by UNICEF staff so far each day in Gonaives. Meanwhile, the Red Cross is stepping up its efforts in Haiti with the Spanish and French Red Cross, flying in tons of humanitarian aid including hygiene kits, jerry cans, a potable water plant and other relief items yesterday. Another flight, sent jointly by the French and Swiss Red Cross Societies, will arrive today, with kitchen sets, blankets, plastic sheeting and water purification tablets on board. ARISTIDE As the devastation grips the nation, ousted Haitian President leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide yesterday offered his condolences and courage to the nation he left was forced to flee. Ironically, it was Gonaives, the city devastated by Tropical Strom Jeanne, that the rebellion that led to Aristide’s ouster began. "It is with great sadness that I watch reports of the devastation wrought upon Haiti by Hurricane Jeanne," Aristide said in a statement, released in South Africa and carried by Terra Daily. "Condolences and courage to an entire nation that has seen much pain and suffering in this tumultuous bicentennial year," added the 51-year-old former leader. "We continue to stand in solidarity with all Haitians who suffer." Aristide, his wife and two daughters have been living in South Africa since May 31. TO DONATE IN THE U.S. The Embassy of Haiti in Washington has launched a widespread relief effort to assist the people affected by the disaster. Monetary donations can be made through checks payable to the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti and the memo: “Assistance to the Victims” added. For more on the Embassy’s effort contact Fritz Fougy, at 202-332 4090 Ext. 142. Or you can donate, again by check or money order to: "Haiti Emergency Relief Fund/Vanguard," the Vanguard Public Foundation, 383 Rhode Island St., Suite 301, San Francisco, CA 94103. SOURCE: HARDBEATNEWS.COM