The death toll in Haiti has reached 996, with the discovery of 404 bodies in south-eastern Haiti after Caribbean storms a week ago, civil defence told AFP Sunday.
Neighbouring Dominican Republic lost 376 persons, bringing the total death toll to 1,372 in the May 23-24 floods that hit the countries, which share the island of Hispaniola.
One of the most devastated areas was hit by a mild earthquake Saturday, further hampering international rescuers racing to deliver aid to the injured and homeless.
With clean drinking water at a premium and the widespread rupture of sewage lines, authorities said there was the added worry of epidemics. Helicopters spread disinfectant over the devastated Dominican town of Jimani to prevent the spread of disease.
Many of the dead have been buried in mass graves. With more rain expected, the Dominican authorities warned people to stay away from low-lying areas near rivers and valleys.
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