The International Organization for Migration (IMO) warned Tuesday that Hurrican Tomas may speed the spread of the cholera epidemic towards the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince.

The hurricane is forecast to reach the southern coast of the country in the 72 hours.

"Even if Tomas only brushes Haiti, it may exacerbate the epidemic, facilitating the spread of the disease into and throughout the metropolitan Port-au-Prince, where a third of the population remains homeless and in camps," the IMO said in a press conference.

The hurricane, which is expected to slice across Haiti, will bring high winds and torrential rains to the earthquake-devastated country, endangering some 500,000 people, many of whom live in temporary shelters and camps vulnerable to the storm.

According to figures released by the Haitian Ministry of Health (MSPP), as of Oct. 30, there were 4,764 cases of cholera registered, with 337 deaths.