By now, you’re likely aware that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday at 8:30 am, with its epicenter about 7.5 miles northeast of Sait-Louis-du-Sud, in the southwest part of the country.

As crews on the ground have responded to the disaster, more information has been released about the quake’s toll. According to Haiti’s civil protection agency, the death toll is currently at 724, with reports of 2,800 people injured. Additionally, the agency says that the quake destroyed 2,868 homes and damaged an additional 5,410. The southern cities and towns of Cayes, Jeremie, Aquin, and Petit Trou de Nippes have sustained most of the damage.

We are grateful for our friends and partners’ continued safety and protection in Cap-Haitien, where they felt the quake but experienced little damage. None of the children’s homes, schools, or the CHIDA hospital have sustained damage. However, cell phone service has been interrupted, making it difficult for our partners to reach family members in the affected region.

This earthquake is another blow to the already battered country, which is still dealing with an unstable political climate after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and a continuing battle against Covid-19. Tropical Storm Grace is forecasted to produce heavy rain and wind along the entire coast of Haiti on Monday, which will further complicate rescue efforts.

Medical and sanitation supplies are the most critical needs after any natural disaster. Prime Minister Ariel Henry said, "When it comes to medical needs, this is our biggest urgency.” Dr. Wislyn and the staff at CHIDA are currently organizing an emergency response effort to aid in the treatment and care for those injured in the earthquake. 

Please consider donating today to this effort. 100% of your donation will go to this emergency response and provide critical care for those who were injured in the earthquake.

Please pray for Haiti as a country. Pray for wisdom and perseverance for Dr. Wislyn, the staff of CHIDA, and all of the medical providers in Haiti as they treat patients and respond to these disasters. We will know more in the coming days and will share more information as we have it. We are in this together. 

Donate to CHIDA’s emergency response effort

100% of your donation will be used in this urgent response.