Following the massive earthquake to hit Haiti at the week-end, Unicef Luxembourg has issued an appeal and confirmed that UNICEF teams are mobilising around the world.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked Haiti on the morning of Saturday 14 August 2021. The earthquake was felt in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, but the epicenter was detected in the south of the country. Serious damage, injuries and loss of life were reported in the departments of Grande Anse, Sud and Sud-Est.
"We are deeply saddened by the reports of casualties and extensive damage following the earthquake," said Bruno Maes, UNICEF Representative in Haiti.
UNICEF is on site to assess urgent needs and provide assistance to affected populations. UNICEF medical kits to support 30,000 people have already been delivered and teams continue to prioritise the resumption of essential services - including water and sanitation, health, nutrition and shelter.
Health centres, schools, bridges and other essential facilities and infrastructure on which children and families depend have also been affected - in some cases irreparably.
Although risks of aftershocks persist for the next few days, UNICEF will continue to work in the areas affected by the earthquake. Despite security and logistical challenges, UNICEF plans to provide assistance using emergency stocks pre-positioned in warehouses across the country.
UNICEF is appealing for funds to help the many families affected by the earthquake.
To make a donation, to support affected children and their families, one can either:
• make an online donation: www.unicef.lu/haiti
• make a transfer to the account: CCPL LU71 1111 2144 2050 0000 with the mention: Haiti
