Haiti Earthquake Update
Compassion-supported churches are mobilising to care for Haitians devastated by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that tore through the regions of South, Nippes, and Grand’Anse on Saturday 14 August.
It's confirmed that more than 2,200 people died in the earthquake, with more than 12,000 people injured. As a result, the UN estimated about 500,000 children have limited or no access to shelter, safe water, and food.
Shortly after, Tropical Depression Grace caused some flooding in the disaster region, complicating the damage assessments and emergency response to the earthquake.
The earthquake destroyed churches, schools and homes, was in a different part of Haiti than the one in 2010, which impacted the capital Port-au-Prince.
“This rural location provides many different challenges, but we are committed to serving all the children and young people in this area,” explains Justin.
“The faster we can get support to the country, the more we can do in the next few days and weeks. Sadly, the recovery process may take years, but we are committed to reopening projects to serve children in the area as soon as we can.”
We're still assessing impact on the children we serve and their families, however we now know that 16 Compassion-sponsored children and a further 200 were injured. 78 caregivers and siblings have also died. We have been proactively communicating with sponsors and will continue to keep up to date with any new information.
Our hearts are broken by this very sad news. Please do continue to pray for the families of those who've lost loved ones.
LAST UPDATED 19 November
Haiti Earthquake Message
Compassion has been on the frontline, assisting vulnerable children and their families. In this video, Edouard Lessegue, Compassion's Vice President of Latin America and Caribbean Region, provides an update on our response to this disaster.
Compassion's Response
Compassion has a long history of serving children and families in extreme poverty on the island nation and is mobilising staff and funds to support people who have been impacted by the quake.
Staff members from our National Office are supporting our church partners, children and their families. Sponsors have been informed if their sponsored child has been affected.
Immediate Aid Relief
Compassion responded immediately by offering food and hygiene kits and supporting local churches as they served their community. Additional immediate relief includes:
- Shelter for children and families.
- Transitional space for 32 frontline church partners so they can work with children in trauma.
- Training and education for parents who have lost their livelihoods.
Child Protection Measures
Children have been separated from their caregivers in the mayhem of the earthquake.
We've set up child-friendly spaces that offer refuge for unaccompanied minors to safely wait as missing caregivers are located. Children are provided a safe place to play and process their emotions with trusted adults.
Safety Measures
The political turmoil, combined with desperation, has created an increase in kidnappings and gang violence.
To avoid inherent dangers in displacement camps, Compassion is trying to keep families and children together. Temporary shelters will be set up on their own land with the potential to become permanent shelters and homes in the future.
Extent of the Impact on Projects
So far, 46 projects have been impacted, which serve more than 17,000 children.
A total of 34 projects will need to be completely rebuilt.
Initial estimates for the cost for emergency response and rebuilding is in the region of $20m USD.
Hope for tomorrow
Compassion is using donations to also help with long-term needs such as:
- The physical rebuilding of 34 projects.
- Partial reconstruction of 35 damaged sanctuaries.
- The repair or rebuild of 12,000 homes.
- Hiring six full-time staff members to help with micro-loans.
- Long-term trauma care for children, families and staff.
Please pray and donate to our Haiti Disaster Appeal
Compassion UK is collecting donations for the recovery process.
“We are asking our supporters to donate to our Haiti Disaster Appeal. And we are asking people to pray,” says Justin.
“Pray for the children and family members who have been injured, displaced or whose homes have been destroyed. Please pray for God’s comfort for those who have lost loved ones and those who are still waiting to hear their news. Pray also that aid will swiftly get to all those affected by this disaster.”
Further prayer points:
- Pray for all the church partner staff members and the four Partnership Facilitators living in the area who are providing support while also dealing with how the earthquake impacted their own families.
- Pray that the fuel shortage that has affected the country over the last year will not impact getting needed supplies into the area.
- Pray for those who need medical attention that they will be able to get the care they need and that the medical teams will have the supplies they need.
- Pray for the safety of the region. It has been unsafe to travel in the region for the past months because of gang violence and political instability.
- Pray for protection for the national office staff members who are travelling to the area to provide support.
- Pray for the Compassion Haiti staff as this earthquake brings back memories of the traumatic 2010 earthquake in the Port-au-Prince area. Ask God to bring comfort and peace to their hearts and minds.
- Pray for comfort for children and young people and that Compassion’s response will bring much-needed help to the communities we serve.
- Pray for those who are grieving in the wake of this disaster.
- Pray for the rebuilding of homes, safe spaces and church buildings.
Donate to the Haiti Disaster Appeal
related articles
