The death toll could surpass 2,000, according to one civil defense official.

Gonaives, the city hardest-hit by the flooding, has lost at least 1,013 persons. Authorities there have buried corpses in common graves. And close to 100 Haitians have died in other areas of this Caribbean nation.

Dieufort Delorge, communications director for civil defense, said 901 injured persons have received medical attention at health clinics set up by soldiers on a UN security mission here.

Ten thousand others have taken refuge in civil defense shelters.

Civil defense officials said 4,050 homes were completely destroyed, leaving 297,926 persons homeless.