Violent earthquake complicates the precarious situation of millions of vulnerable people in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE (August 14, 2021) — The powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake that shook southern Haiti this morning could complicate the precarious situation of millions of vulnerable people in the country, warned Christian humanitarian organization World Vision.

“We are deeply concerned about the devastation that this earthquake causes in a country already hit by extreme poverty social and political unrest,” said Marcelo Viscarra, World Vision’s national director in Haiti. The organization works worldwide protecting the most vulnerable children and their families.

Eleven years ago, a powerful earthquake that killed more than 300,000 people rattled the country. “But now, along with the effects of an earthquake whose damage has not been officially assessed, we have a pandemic and the threat of tropical storm Grace, which is expected to hit Haitian territory tomorrow, Sunday, August 15,” Viscarra said.

World Vision has pre-positioned supplies to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to 6,000 people. However, the organization will mobilize staff personnel to the affected area (Les Cayes) 125 km south of the capital Port-au-Prince, to accurately estimate damages and the needs of the most affected families.

Unofficial reports indicate the death of several people, although the number has not been determined. There are also reports of thefts in homes affected by the earthquake. World Vision is coordinating with local civil authorities and the police to contribute to the protection of the most vulnerable children and their families.

“We are concerned by the limited capacity of attention of the authorities, who have their hands full with the care of the pandemic, and now the hospital centers are flooded with patients injured by the earthquake that struck at 8:30 a.m. local time Haiti,” said Viscarra.

We ask for your prayers and your support. In Haiti more than 60% of the population lives in poverty and millions of people live on less than $2 a day. Some 4 million people are food insecure in the country. This situation will only complicate the precarious living conditions of people trying to cope with the socio-political tension after the assassination of the president, the still ongoing effects of the devastating 2010 earthquake and the current pandemic.

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.