WFP steps up support in Haiti

(United Nations News) The World Food Programme (WFP) is stepping up ongoing support to Haitians who are now facing destroyed homes, lost livelihoods and little or no access to food in the wake of the 14 August earthquake, the UN agency reported on Thursday. 

More than 2,200 people were killed, and over 12,000 injured, in the 7.2-magnitude quake, which struck the southwest of the country and was followed by a tropical storm just two days later. It is estimated that more than 130,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. 

The UN and partners this week launched a $187.3 million appeal to provide shelter, water and sanitation, emergency healthcare, food, protection and early recovery assistance to roughly half a million people.

Lola Castro, WFP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, who was in the city of Les Cayes, described the scene as heartbreaking, with families sleeping on the streets. 

Read more at: United Nations News

Source: CARICOM TODAY