Tearfund Responding to Hurricane Matthew

10/10/16

Tearfund Responding to Hurricane Matthew

Tearfund is appealing for donations to help those worst affected by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti.

An estimated 1.24 million people have been affected with around 350,000 in need of immediate humanitarian assistance and an estimated 1000 fatalities.

Tearfund is responding through its partners in the region who are assessing damage and planning a coordinated response. Priority responses have been identified as shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene. Tents, metal roofing, water and hygiene kits and food and water supplies are expected to be distributed in the coming days.

“Poverty combined with weakened infrastructure after the 2010 earthquake has meant these people are especially vulnerable,” says Tearfund’s humanitarian expert, Kevin Riddell.

“In terms of immediate needs, safe drinking water and mitigating the risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera are priority. Food supplies are also urgent, as crops have been destroyed and collapsed infrastructure poses problems for local markets. The long-term need will be food security, and building resilience to future disasters.”

Tearfund has nearly 900 sponsored children in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, of whom 22 are currently known to have been affected by the hurricane. Child sponsors of affected children are being advised as soon as information comes to hand.

Donations to Tearfund’s Hurricane Matthew Appeal for Haiti can be made at Tearfund.org.nz or by calling 0800 800 777.

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