As source Kaara decreases, Saut d'Eau may no longer exist

Saut-d'Eau falls in the Central Plateau of Haiti is at peril of running dry. Its mouth, Kaara, is not producing enough water to keep the waterfall of Saut-d'Eau at full volume, having declined in its output over the last six months.

ADVERTISEMENT


Simon Desras, President of the Senate, worries if the falls should stop flowing, the economy of the Central Plateau will suffer. The stoppage would damage, not only the economy of the region, but affect a tradition that has taken place at the falls since 1847. In that year, an apparition of the Virgin Mary manifested at the twin falls, beginning an annual pilgrimage to Saut-d'Eau, to bathe beneath the onrushing streams that plunge down the gorge. Upwards of 20,000 bathers visit each year for this sacred rite.

Reasons are many why this decline in volume is happening in Saut-d'Eau. One is the rural population cutting down tree cover on hills above the waterfall. They do this to produce charcoal for the charcoal industry. The effect of removing tree cover is declining soil moisture. Other possible causes include global warming and something beneath the ground absorbing water at a rapid rate.

Desras called an emergency meeting at the Department of Center to inform and discuss the problem, and to develop initiatives to address the issue for both short- and long-term solutions. The government has made a commitment, and is working with local officials and citizens to save the falls from extinction, and the consequent harm that will bring to the local economy.

Reply to this article

Read more: economy, Central Plateau, Saut-D'Eau, Pilgrimage, Charcoal, Waterfall, Virgin Mary, Kaara, Water, Simon Desras, Energy Environment

« Saut-d'Eau Waterfall, Ville Bonheur | Main | Camp-Perrin A Beautiful Destination To Visit In Haiti »

Return to Articles List

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

E-mail (required, will not be published)

Subject: As source Kaara decreases, Saut d'Eau may no longer exist edit

» »

Our objective is to share with you news and information about Haiti and the people of Haiti. Traditions, habits and the way we were  or  grew are alive in this site. We highly recommend that you Subscribe to our Newsletter and also share with us some of the things that are memorable and made us unique people.