On August 14, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the town of Petit-Trou-de-Nippes. The quake has caused significant damage to homes, roads and infrastructure, displacing some 30,000 people. Hospitals in the impacted area are overwhelmed and short on supplies-including equipment and medicine. In response, , International Medical Corps is deploying a health facility, supplies and medical volunteers to address the surging health needs caused by the quake.
As of August 23, reports put the death toll at more than 2,200, with more than 12,000 people injured and 300 still missing. Though the full extent of the devastation is still unknown, immediate needs include emergency health services, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and protection services, and support of vulnerable populations, along with basic needs like food, shelter, hygiene items, and personal protective equipment and supplies to protect against COVID-19.
International Medical Corps is deploying our WHO EMT Type 1 fixed medical health facility along with trained staff, supplies, technical expertise and surge capacity to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the quake. We will be providing a range of emergency health services, including first aid, trauma, triage, wound care and infection prevention and control; protection services, including consultations to prevent and address gender-based violence (GBV); and MHPSS services.
International Medical Corps was active in Haiti following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that devastated the nation in 2010 and were one of the first organizations to respond to the cholera outbreak later that year. In 2016, when Hurricane Matthew hit, we once again provided emergency relief. Our history working in Haiti makes us well positioned to address immediate needs as well as provide long-term support, including infrastructure restoration, livelihood support, MHPSS and protection services.
