Hurricane Matthew struck Haiti with extreme force on Tuesday, October 4. High winds and heavy rainfall have led to life-threatening floods and landslides, causing damage to homes and roads. The Haitian people are now at even greater risk of illnesses like cholera and malaria. We have been in Haiti for more than 20 years and our 130 staff are responding now - but we need your help to reach as many people as possible with life-saving assistance.
Hurricane Matthew, the first Category 4 hurricane to make landfall since 1964, has slammed into southwestern Haiti. This violent storm has brought heavy rains and powerful winds of 145 miles per hour, devastating homes and roads. Communities in Haiti were already vulnerable following the powerful 2010 earthquake and a recent cholera outbreak. The current devastation now puts them at a greater risk of illnesses like cholera and malaria. More than 60,000 people are already in shelters.
Concern has been working in Haiti since 1994. In coordination with the UN, our local partners, and communities throughout Haiti, we are well-positioned to respond. Concern currently has 130 staff ready, and has pre-prepared supplies for an emergency response to Hurricane Matthew, including blankets, jerry cans, aquatabs, kitchen sets, and other essential provisions. Concern will continue to be actively involved in recovery and resiliency in order to ensure that future suffering is avoided.
The first days after an emergency are critical. An effective response to Hurricane Matthew will help mitigate an escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Risks of floods, mudslides, and disease will persist long after the storm, but addressing these risks now Concern is also an investment in the long-term resiliency and recovery efforts in Haiti. These actions will help to ensure that Haitians are able to live with stability and dignity, and to reach their full social and economic potential.
