On Aug. 14, 2021, Haiti’s population was devastated by a 7.2 earthquake which tore through the country’s south. Hundreds of thousands of Haitian residents have been affected by the natural disaster, and continue to struggle with losing homes, basic necessities, and loved ones. Experts expect the death toll to rise in the coming days and weeks, especially after Hurricane Grace hit the island, impeding search and rescue efforts. This tragic natural disaster struck as Haiti was still recovering from its 2010 earthquake, which impacted roughly three million people.While you may feel hopeless at the situation, there are some very important actions you can take to help the country rehabilitate. So, here’s how you can help Haiti recover after its devastating earthquake.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Haiti’s Aug. 14 earthquake has affected over 1.2 million people, including over half a million children. As of Aug. 18, nearly 2,000 people are estimated dead, and 10,000 injured. Because the earthquake has torn through much-needed medical infrastructure, many people suffering from injuries don’t have access to the medical care they need — and in the wake of Grace, it’s even more difficult for relief organizations to deliver life-saving supplies. Right now, the lives of many Haitian residents depend on access to food and clean water, adequate health care, and health care professionals.
That’s why donating to locally operating relief organizations is more important now than ever: These organizations have better avenues to deliver necessary supplies to those in need, and they know which communities need the most help. Here are five organizations you can support to help Haiti’s locally based earthquake relief efforts.