As Sandy caused havoc throughout the eastern US, the full extent of the storm’s damage was just beginning to emerge in the Caribbean nation of Haiti.
The UN warned that flooding and unsanitary conditions could lead to a sharp increase in cases of cholera, while aid workers are worried that extensive crop damage will mean that food prices will rise.
Extensive damage to crops throughout the southern third of the country, as well as the high potential for a surge in cases of cholera and other water-borne diseases, could mean Haiti will see the deadliest effects of Sandy in the coming days and weeks.
Haiti has reported the highest death from Sandy so far, as swollen rivers and landslides claimed at least 52 lives, according to the country's civil protection office.
More than three days of constant rain left roads and bridges heavily damaged, cutting off access to several towns and a key border crossing with the Dominican Republic.
"The economy took a huge hit," Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe told Reuters news agency.
He also said Sandy's impact was devastating, "even by international standards", adding that Haiti was planning an appeal for emergency aid.
"Most of the agricultural crops that were left from Hurricane Isaac [in August] were destroyed during Sandy," he said, "so food security will be an issue."
Sandy also destroyed banana crops in eastern Jamaica as well as coffee crops in eastern Cuba.
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