ActionAid’s emergency teams are assessing urgent needs and preparing to respond after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck south-western Haiti at around 8.30am local time on Saturday 14 August.
Angeline Annesteus, Country Director of ActionAid Haiti, says:
“Today brings back the trauma of the 2010 earthquake that tore Haiti apart. This deadly quake has destroyed homes and infrastructure in some of Haiti’s most vulnerable and marginalised communities.
“In Jérémie, one of the areas most affected, our team is helping with rescue efforts as families desperately try to pull loved ones from the rubble. Sadly, we expect the death toll to continue to rise.
“We are assessing what people need most urgently and preparing to respond by providing food, temporary shelter and essential items such as blankets and hygiene kits for women and girls.
“Women and girls are already bearing the brunt of the multiple crises facing Haiti, including rising hunger, political instability and gang violence. The devastating fallout from this earthquake, could push many more families into poverty and hunger.”
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For further information or interview enquiries, please contact frankie.harrington@actionaid.org; or if out of hours, on +44 (0) 7753 973 486.
Notes to editors
ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. Our dedicated local staff are changing the world with women and girls. We are ending violence and fighting poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want.