Back in August 2021, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. It claimed over 2,000 lives, injured almost 12,000 and destroyed 130,000 homes. Two days after, Tropical Storm Grace hit causing flash floods and mudslides, only bringing more devastation.
Urgent help was needed including water, shelter and medical supplies for survivors. Through local partners Christian Aid provided hundreds of people with essentials in the aftermath of the earthquake. These included tarpaulin for shelter, mosquito nets, hygiene kits, shovels and water buckets.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Haiti has been through devastation like this. 2010 saw a devastating earthquake leaving thousands of vulnerable people displaced. Back then, in collaboration with ACT Alliance members, Christian Aid worked to rebuild the homes for 4,900 people. These homes were designed specifically to be resistant to potential future disasters.
The new homes were put to the test through Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and despite widespread destruction only one of these specifically designed homes had its roof damaged. We were also able to repair and rebuild many more homes for families severely affected.
Flash forward to October 2021, a couple of months after the earthquake. Vilia, 49, stands in front of her disaster resistant home in Torbeck, South Haiti. Vilia received support previously through Christian Aid’s partner KORAL, following the devastating earthquake of 2010. Thanks to kind supporters like you, Vilia's home, like many others, is still standing despite the more recent earthquake.
"When I realised my house was not even damaged, I put my two hands in the air and said thank you KORAL, thank you Christian Aid," says Vilia "I spent the night on two chairs to give people space to sleep as I welcome them into my home after the earthquake…You see how all my teeth are showing and my mouth is open? Because I am so happy!"
Thanks to your help, we are there during the immediate need when a disaster strikes, but also plan to help in the distant future.
Haiti Earthquake Appeal