On Wednesday 25 August, the United Nations and its partners launched an appeal for $187.3 million intended to provide emergency aid, particularly in the areas of shelter, water and sanitation, health, food, protection and early recovery for 500,000 people affected by the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit southern Haiti on August 14, 2021 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34480-haiti-flash-second-earthquake-in-haiti-magnitude-52.html

In the aftermath of the earthquake under the leadership of the Government, local and international humanitarian partners quickly launched a major relief operation. Search and rescue and medical teams have attempted to find survivors and provide emergency medical care in the most difficult-to-reach areas. Partners have also started providing clean water and food to earthquake victims.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry stressed "We need efforts for recovery and reconstruction to start in earnest and simultaneously with the humanitarian response."

Bruno Lemarquis, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, declared "Haiti and its people need the world’s solidarity more than ever today as they deal with multiples crises at the same time [...] We thank countries who have responded so quickly and generously with personnel and humanitarian aid and we hope they will continue to do so. In the context of this response, moving towards recovery, and taking into account lessons learned from the devastating 2010 earthquake, it will be absolutely essential to support and rally behind national leadership and coordination efforts, support national and local capacities, systems, economic actors, and to build on Haitian knowledge and expertise for a contextualized response."

"The United Nations and its partners are working together with the Government of Haiti to address the urgent needs of Haitians affected by the earthquake and Tropical Depression Grace," said UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ramesh Rajasingham but "To do this, we need immediate funding" adding "We need safe and unimpeded access to all people in need. All parties, including armed groups, must ensure that humanitarian organizations and aid supplies have sustained and safe access to the affected areas."

This appeal reflects both the severity of the needs and the logistical challenges of providing an effective large-scale humanitarian response in hard-to-reach areas. The partners will provide basic emergency services, including shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, food, education and protection services to 500,000 people.

Note that the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has made $8 million available https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34524-haiti-news-zapping.html to revive activities aid workers on the ground.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34559-haiti-flash-the-death-toll-rises-to-2-207-dead-and-12-268-injured.html

HL/ HaitiLibre