(Haiti). The Communities of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the O. L. of Perpetual Help Province (HAI), live in the state of Emergency in Haiti due to the earthquake of 7.2 magnitude on the Richter Scale that on 14 August 2021, struck Haiti, causing loss of human life and extensive material damages.
The earthquake hit the western part of Haiti, in particular the “Grand Sud” region which includes the departments of Grand-Anse, Sud, and Nippes, but it was felt throughout the country and beyond. The epicenter is about 120 km from the capital Port au Prince which still bears the open wounds of the 2010 earthquake, although this time it was not damaged.
Haiti, the pearl of the Caribbean, is plagued by constant natural and political disasters. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, the poorest in the Americas. UNICEF estimates that 1.2 million people (out of a population of 11 million) have been affected by the violence of the earthquake. To date there are over 2,000 dead and 13,000 injured, unfortunately destined to increase, and an unknown number of missing.
According to initial information, more than 60 thousand houses have been destroyed and as many have suffered damage. Damages to buildings, schools, and infrastructures are also numerous and significant. In addition, the arrival of the tropical storm “Grace” has aggravated the criticality of the situation with inundations, floods, and landslides.
In the most affected geographical area in the South West of the country, there are three communities of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of O.L. of Perpetual Help Province: the Community of Mary Help of Christians in Gommiers (Jeremie), the Community of St. Joseph the Educator in Anse-À- Veau (Nippes), the Community of O.L. of of Perpetual Help in Les Cayes.
The FMA immediately took an interest in the students, collaborators and their families. They distributed what they had to families in difficulty: food, blankets, hygiene products. They also opened the doors of their homes to welcome those in need of shelter.
The work of Les Cayes has suffered extensive damage. Part of the school will have to be completely rebuilt. The rest of the house has a lot of damage, the enclosure wall has collapsed in several places, and the external courtyards are crossed by large cracks.
In the spirit of family and closeness, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians wish to give concrete answers to the emergency and continue to help families and students who are many.
Earthquake Emergency Haiti (pdf)
It is urgent first of all to respond to the needs of the population by helping them immediately with basic necessities and materials for temporary homes or to repair theirs.
The Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians collaborates in the mission in favor of populations in situations of hardship, counting on the generosity and solidarity of all.
It is possible to send contributions and offerings in the manner indicated on the Website of the FMA Institute, indicating in the reason for payment Emergency Haiti.
“God will not be outdone in generosity”
(Don Bosco – MB II,254).
Seguimos pensando en nuestro mundo enfermo por la pandemia, por la violencia y por los desastres naturales.
En la Chinca hemos trabajado para colaborar con alguna ayuda solidaria para nuestras Hermanas de HAiti.
Seguimos muy unidas desde nuestra misión