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Full extent of Hurricane Matthew’s destruction becomes evident three days after storm hits the Caribbean nation.
The Salvation Army in Haiti is providing food and support to people forced from their homes by Hurricane Matthew, the strongest storm to hit the Caribbean in a decade. The full extent of the disaster is only now becoming clear, with more than 400 people known to have lost their lives. Much of the south of the country is still unreachable because the strong winds and heavy rain damaged and destroyed roads and bridges. The continuing path of Hurricane Matthew is also making it difficult to fly in supplies.
International Headquarters in London provided an initial sum of $20,000 to purchase rice, oil, meat, beans and other basic food items for distribution to some of the people who fled their homes and are now living in temporary shelters or “safety zones.” The main location is in Croix-des-Bouquets, where 800 people–including 105 children–are being sheltered. The Salvation Army is also distributing food in Port-au-Prince, Fonds-des-Negres, Aquin and Petit-Gouâve.
In Port-au-Prince, The Salvation Army’s clinic has reopened and can now offer treatment to people who were injured in the disaster.
The funds provided so far will enable The Salvation Army to give beneficiaries a hot meal every day for eight days, buying valuable time to fully assess the situation and discover the most urgent needs. Repairs will be needed at a large number of Salvation Army schools and other buildings that sustained damaged, with several losing their roofs.
Divisional Projects Officer Major John Bundu concludes his report of the current situation with thanks to Salvationists and friends around the world for “your prayer support, concern and care for Haiti during this period of natural crisis.”
Donate to The Salvation Army Americas and Caribbean Disaster Fund here.
Report by IHQ Communications International Headquarters
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