Haiti: $187.3M appeal to support people affected by earthquake

(United Nations News) The UN and partners on Wednesday launched a $187.3 million appeal to support half a million people affected by the deadly earthquake in southwestern Haiti nearly two weeks ago.

The funding will be used to provide shelter, water and sanitation, emergency healthcare, food, protection and early recovery.

The 7.2 magnitude earthquake on 14 August killed more than 2,200 people and injured over 12,000 others.  More than 130,000 homes were destroyed or damaged, along with other infrastructure such as roads.

The tragedy was followed by Tropical Storm Grace just two days later, which dumped extremely heavy rains in affected areas, causing flash floods and mudslides.

In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, aid partners, under the leadership of the Haitian Government, began a massive relief operation.  Search and rescue, and medical teams, are working to find survivors and provide urgent medical care in hard-to-reach areas.

“Haiti and its people need the world’s solidarity more than ever today as they deal with multiples crises at the same time,” said Bruno Lemarquis, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, thanking countries which have provided personnel and aid so far.

Read more at: United Nations News

Source: CARICOM TODAY