Crisis Deepens in Haiti: Mounting Humanitarian Needs After Earthquake and Devastating Flooding

Mercy Corps is deeply concerned about mounting humanitarian needs following a 4.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti earlier this morning, killing at least four people, injuring 36, and causing widespread destruction of homes. The earthquake could further exacerbate the already fragile humanitarian situation in Jeremie, struck by a devastating earthquake in August 2021 that claimed over 2,200 lives. Haiti now faces the aftermath of yet another natural disaster in the midst of ongoing political and economic instability, as well as the mounting effects of climate change: over the weekend, heavy floods killed at least 51 people, injured 140, destroyed 820 houses, and left 31,600 homes under water across five of Haiti’s ten departments: West, Nippes, South-East, North-West, and the Center.

Allen Joseph, Mercy Corps’ Program Manager in Jeremie, says:

“I woke up at 5:11am with the house shaking. Once I stepped outside, the darkness was accompanied by the echoes of people's screams and their frantic attempts to flee. Fear has gripped everyone, as the earthquake has resurfaced painful memories. Banks and schools are closed, and we can hear the sound of ambulance sirens as they transport victims to hospitals.

"Haiti continues to endure relentless hardships. Communities in Jeremie and neighboring areas were only just beginning to recover from the earthquake two years ago, and now they are confronted with two new challenges: the need to divert their savings toward rebuilding their homes instead of putting food on their plates, and the scarcity of produce due to a critical route blockade between Jeremie and Les Cayes.”

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moises in July 2021, Haiti has plunged into an unprecedented food crisis, with nearly 4.9 million people, almost half of the population, experiencing hunger, according to the World Food Program. This marks the first instance of famine-like conditions in certain areas of the country. The current food crisis is a direct consequence of soaring food prices, political instability, climate shocks, and escalating gang violence. In recent weeks, Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince has teetered on the brink of civil war between gang members and civilians.

Mercy Corps is now evaluating with partners how we can support the communities affected by today’s earthquake. Currently, Mercy Corps is providing cash assistance to 32,500 people and more than 700 small businesses in three departments, including the areas hit by the earthquake and in Port-au-Prince. Since 2019, Mercy Corps has also worked to reduce violence through financial inclusion and life skills training for more than 8,000 adolescents.