Haiti earthquake: Red Cross distributes relief items to thousands of families

The Haitian Red Cross (HRC), with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has distributed relief items to thousands of families since a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the south-eastern part of Haiti on 14 August. 

Aid workers have been distributing water and hygiene kits, as well as tarpaulins, blankets and kitchen supplies. Besides, the IFRC has delivered 200 tonnes of additional relief goods to Port-au-Prince. From there, it is transported to the affected areas by road, air or sea. 

“More distributions are planned during the coming weeks, despite the challenging context. Delivering humanitarian aid is a complex task due to factors such as damaged roads, food insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and sociopolitical instability,” said Felipe del Cid, IFRC’s Head of Operations in Haiti.

The IFRC has flown in an emergency hospital, which will be operational shortly to respond to urgent health care needs.

The President of Haitian Red Cross Dr. Guiteau Jean-Pierre said: “Haiti is facing overlapping crises: the pandemic, the earthquake, and the pre-existent humanitarian needs. In coordination with the authorities, communities, partners, and stakeholders, the Red Cross will continue to work unstoppably to help and prepare the most vulnerable communities. Another potential emergency could be life-threatening for them.”

HRC has been working around the clock in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, first concentrating their efforts on search and rescue and ambulance services, transporting patients from the airport to hospitals in Port au Prince. Their focus is now on distributing relief goods and ensuring clean water, sanitation and hygiene to prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases.

In support of those who are still in dire need, the IFRC has released funding from its emergency fund (DREF) and launched an emergency appeal for 10 million Swiss francs to continue providing life-saving humanitarian aid and support the recovery from the earthquake.

For more information, to arrange interviews with Red Cross staff on the ground, or request B-roll/pictures, please contact:

In Panama:

Susana Arroyo Barrantes | +507 6999-3199 | susana.arroyo@ifrc.org

In Port-au-Prince:

Naomi Nolte | +31646808096 (WhatsApp) | +509 3616 5890 | rrcommunicationscoor.haiti@ifrc.org

In Geneva:

Ann Vaessen | +4179 405 77 50 | ann.vaessen@ifrc.org