Hurricane Matthew has already caused devastation in Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean as mass evacuations are underway in the U-S.
On its way toward Florida, the storm has damaged homes and farms throughout southwest Haiti, killing at least five people.
Several thousand kilometers away in Barrie, Dr. Tina Whitty has been closely following the storm as it hit Haiti.
"They never really recovered from the earth quake in 2010 - it's really disheartening that another natural disaster," said Dr. Whitty.
Dr. Whitty has volunteered in the past at a small hospital in Haiti for Team Broken Earth - a Canadian non- profit group which provides medical assistance.
The hospital is still functioning but disease is the biggest threat people face in the hurricanes aftermath.
"Poor sanitation will get even worse with heaven rains and there will be a huge outbreak of cholera which did occur after the earthquake in 2010 so that's a huge concern going forward," said Dr. Whitty.
Team Broken Earth normally focuses on providing surgical services while in Haiti, but upcoming missions could change depending on the needs.
The Red Cross is also assessing the damage in Haiti and ready to help some 200, 000 people.
"We have prepositioned supplies in Panama, we have learned from previous hurricanes and earthquakes," said Peter McGuinness. "It's better to have supplies positioned so we can get the help to the people as soon as they require it."
Both the Canadian Red Cross and Team Broken Earth are actively fundraising to help support Hurricane relief and their work in Haiti as well.
- With files from The Canadian Press
