For the first time since 2007, a category five hurricane has formed in the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricane Mathew reached category five wind speeds Friday, September 30th, with maximum wind speeds sustaining 157 mph (252 kmh). Shortly afterwards, it was determined to be a category four hurricane before making landfall upon the island nation of Haiti on October 3rd.

Prior to Hurricane Matthew encompassing the minuscule nation, government authorities urged civilians to evacuate their homes and to seek shelter at numerous refuges that were staffed by the Red Cross. However, authorities’ attempts proved futile because a majority of residents refused to evacuate. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) even reported that, “countless civilians were uninformed about the strength and even existence of the storm.”

The hurricane proved to have the greatest impact on Haiti’s southern region. Winds of approximately 125 mph (201 kmh) battered the coastal cities and storm surges proved to be imminent. As of now, the United Nations (UN) and other agencies have predicted that precisely 80 percent of structures within the townships have been severely damaged. Officials also went on to state that over 300,000 citizens of Haiti are receiving shelter and aid from the Red Cross.

The primary issue that has yet to be addressed is the amount of fatalities and damage that can be found in Haiti’s most remote communities. Local and government officials are now attempting to gain access to these townships, and they expect to make contact within the coming days. Additionally, the presidential election of Haiti has been postponed due to the aftermath and devastation inflicted upon the commonwealth by the storm.

The presidential election was set to take place on Sunday, October 9th; however, due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Mathew, the election date will likely take place sometime in late October. According to the Cable News Network (CNN), “a committee has been appointed to determine what date would be best suitable for the presidential election.”

For now, the president of Haiti and other high-ranking government officials are pleading for Americans to contact agencies like the Red Cross and provide aid through them. In the coming weeks and months, the world will truly realize and experience the aftermath of the storm that devastated Haiti.