Tropical Storm Isaac gained power overnight as it roared toward Haiti with rains and high winds that could wreak havoc for people still living in makeshift shelters after a devastating 2010 earthquake.

Rains had already begun lashing southern Haiti, and US forecasters said the storm could be near hurricane strength when it smacks the southern coast of Hispaniola, the island Haiti shares with the Dominican Republic.

"Some strengthening is possible before the centre reaches Hispaniola tonight and Isaac could be near hurricane strength at landfall," the Miami, Florida-based National Hurricane Centre said in its 1800 GMT bulletin.

Some 400,000 people still live in temporary tent camps following the earthquake that killed some 250,000 people and devastated Port-au-Prince.
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