Devastation in Haiti

Around 8:30 AM on Saturday morning, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck southern Haiti, approximately 75 miles west of the capital Port au Prince. The epicenter was 7.5 miles northeast of Saint-Louis du Sud. Multiple aftershocks followed. By that evening, the Haiti Civil Protection Service reported more than 200 confirmed fatalities. Homes, business, buildings, and other structures were damaged to the point of rubble and government officials issued a State of Emergency.

We are expecting a large influx in patient volume at Peredo Community Hospital due to many facilities not being open in the South and Southeast. Disaster relief funds for medical supplies, medication, food, and water are some of our immediate needs as we prepare to receive patients.

Update 8/16/2021

Officials are still accessing the damage to the hardest hit areas from Saturday’s earthquake. As of Sunday evening, Haiti’s Civil Protection Service reported close to 1,300 fatalities and thousands more injured or missing. Food, water, shelter, and medical supplies continue to be the greatest needs. Landslides caused by the earthquake and multiple aftershocks have blocked the road to the epicenter. Tropical Storm Grace is hitting the South and Southeast, which will make rescue efforts even more challenging.

We are working with numerous agencies such as Haiti Heath Network, Samaritan’s Purse, Haiti Air Ambulance, and more to determine the best ways Peredo Community Hospital can help. Hospitals near the epicenter are full to capacity and PCH is preparing to serve an influx of patients. Emergency physicians and orthopedic surgeons are needed and we are working to mobilize two of our board members Dr. Hata and Dr. Allen.

Update 8/17/2021

Rescue efforts continue. More than 1,900 lives have been lost with at least 6,900 more injured. Hospitals are full and in desperate need of medical supplies. Tens of thousands of homes, schools, churches, and other structures have been destroyed. Authorities are trying to repair roads so supplies and equipment can reach the epicenter.

Tropical Storm Grace hit Haiti Monday evening and caused even more devastation. Roads are impassable or washed away. Flash floods and landslides have made rescue efforts difficult. There is flooding on our main campus in Peredo and many homes in the area have been damaged. The dorms on campus are full of water from leaking roofs. The roads to Jacmel are impassable and the rivers have cut off access to Cyvadier. Many of our hospital staff cannot get to the hospital from Jacmel.

Local medical professionals are working hard to coordinate first response efforts. HCO is mobilizing orthopedic surgeons and emergency medicine doctors to join the efforts in order to help relieve those first responders.

How can you help?

Please keep praying! Pray for peace and comfort for Haiti. Pray for rescue efforts. Pray for roads to open so supplies can get to those who need it most. Pray for protection. Pray for guidance and wisdom as plans for relief efforts come together, so that we can be most effective working alongside our brothers and sisters on the ground.

HCO has also been blessed by an anonymous donor, providing a matching gift of up to $10,000 to help meet immediate needs. You can double your impact today by designating your gift for Disaster Relief and Development. Simply click the GIVE NOW button below to double your impact and help meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Thank you for your prayers and for partnering with Haitian Christian Outreach!

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