The earthquake razed thousands of buildings to the ground in western Haiti and demolished one of the main bridges leading into the hardest hit area.
The aid organization is conducting a needs assessment in the worst-affected areas of Les Cayes and Grand-Anse to prioritize its emergency response.
Leila Bourahla, Save the Children’s Haiti country director, said:
“The loss of life and the destruction are heart-breaking in a country that was already struggling.
“Our teams in the impacted area are telling us that thousands of children and their families are sleeping outside, as their homes have been destroyed or they fear aftershocks. This leaves them at a risk of violence or abuse, so one of the most urgent needs is safe shelters such as tents. People also need food and clean water to prevent the outbreak of diseases.
“Tropical Storm Grace is fast approaching earthquake affected areas. We are concerned this storm will complicate access, search and rescue efforts.
“We are providing basic items and baby kits to families as well as preparing to provide cash transfers, child protection, education spaces for children, health and nutrition, and psychosocial support.
Save the Children has worked in Haiti since 1978, providing nutrition, early learning, and water and sanitation programs. The international humanitarian organization responded when Hurricane Matthew struck the same area in 2016 and following the 2010 earthquake.
Save the Children Australia has launched an appeal to support children and their families in Haiti, via its Children’s Emergency Fund. Visit https://www.savethechildren.org.au/childrens-emergency-fund
To learn more about our work, visit www.savethechildren.org/Haiti
ENDS
Mónica Kuljich - Regional Communications Manager,
(+51) 99941 1131
monica.kuljich@savethechildren.org
Jane Gardner – Head of Media,
(+61) 438 130 905
jane.gardner@savethechildren.org.au
Please note the local time in Haiti is now 5pm.