700 emergency kits distributed in Haiti: “many victims were yet to receive aid”

Over 750,000 disaster victims have received support from the humanitarian community and the government (including drinking water, food, hygiene and healthcare). However, the victims still have significant needs three months after the disaster. Handicap International has adapted to new logistical difficulties and is continuing to help the victims of the hurricane.

"Three months later, we are continuing our work in a context which was tense in late December following the announcement of the election results, combined with a number of logistical complications which we already faced, such as roads being blocked and difficulties accessing communities living in remote areas," explains Hélène Robin, head of Handicap International’s emergency response.

"Handicap International recently distributed over 700 emergency kits^[1] to disaster victims. This was a real help for some families who had not received any assistance at all until then. These kits will enable them to have a sustainable form of shelter once again".

So far, our emergency responseto the Haiti hurricane incluides:

Distribution of emergency kits

Handicap International distributed over 700 emergency and household^[2] kits in the department of Nippes to enable victims to repair their homes and improve their living conditions.

Getting aid to remote communities

Hurricane Matthew and the flooding in the north and south of the country have damaged a large number of roads and bridges, creating serious logistical constraints. Handicap International set up a logistics platform, which uses the roads and sea routes to cover the Sud, Grand Anse and Nippes departments in order to facilitate the shipment of humanitarian aid to remote communities. The organisation dispatched 32 road and 12 sea convoys and has already shipped almost 400 tonnes of humanitarian aid (shelters, tools, hygiene kits) in partnership with other humanitarian organisations.

Clearing the rubble

Handicap International is supporting the clear-up work organized by the local districts in Grande Anse by transporting rubble and helping to reopen roads vital for transporting humanitarian aid and restarting economic activity.

Caring for the most vulnerable people

Handicap International is identifying the most vulnerable people, such as isolated heads of household, pregnant women, elderly and disabled people, in the departments of Grande Anse and Sud, and working with humanitarian stakeholders top ensure that they provide access to humanitarian services for these vulnerable members of the community (services including healthcare, education and rehabilitation).

Rehabilitation and counselling

Two mobile teams each comprising three experts^[3] were very quickly deployed after the hurricane to the town of Les Cayes to look after injured people. Each team assessed the state of the hospital and rehabilitation services and supplied wheelchairs, crutches and walking frames. Over 150 people attended rehabilitation sessions. The organisation also ran counselling sessions for the victims.