On the Ground in Haiti After Earthquake with Mercy Corps
Aug 30, 2021
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Christy Delafield, Managing Director of Communications at Mercy Corps, shares her insights on the aftermath of the devastating 7.2 earthquake in Haiti. She discusses the urgent needs for medical aid, food, and shelter, highlighting the overwhelming commitment of local teams in the recovery efforts. The conversation touches on the evolving nature of humanitarian aid, emphasizing community resilience and sustainable solutions, including agricultural support and climate change initiatives. Christy's experiences illustrate the power of hope amid crisis and the importance of ongoing support for relief efforts.
Mercy Corps emphasizes the importance of community involvement in recovery efforts, ensuring aid reflects the specific needs of those affected.
The holistic recovery approach by Mercy Corps utilizes cash assistance to families, stimulating the local economy while addressing immediate necessities.
Deep dives
Immediate Response to the Earthquake
Following the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti, immediate response efforts became paramount as hospitals struggled to cope with over 2,200 fatalities and 6,000 injuries. Mercy Corps quickly mobilized its local Haitian team, which initiated search and rescue operations, assessed damage, and identified the most affected areas. Significant destruction was observed in communities, with reports indicating that up to 90% of buildings were damaged or destroyed in some places. In the wake of this disaster, ongoing needs included medical treatment, food, shelter, and infrastructure rebuilding, exacerbated by the arrival of Tropical Storm Grace shortly after the quake.
Community-Led Recovery Initiatives
The importance of community involvement in the recovery efforts was emphasized, as local knowledge and resources proved crucial in determining the immediate needs and appropriate aid delivery. Mercy Corps prioritized listening to the community to ensure the aid provided matched their specific requirements, in stark contrast to previous responses that were often top-down and disconnected. Coordination meetings, previously held in English, now occur in French and Creole, allowing for greater local participation. This local approach fosters empowerment and aims for sustainable rebuilding, with the understanding that the most effective solutions come from those directly affected by the disaster.
Challenges and Hope Amidst Crisis
Despite the overwhelming challenges posed by the earthquake and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, signs of hope emerge through local solidarity and mutual support. Communities have rallied together, with neighbors helping each other navigate the aftermath and contributing donations from unaffected areas. Mercy Corps also implements a mix of cash assistance to families, allowing them to purchase specific necessities rather than relying solely on supplied goods. This model not only addresses immediate needs but also stimulates the local economy, underscoring a holistic recovery approach that strengthens resilience against future crises.
After a 7.2 earthquake struck the western part of Haiti last week, it’s been all hands on deck to help the country get back on their feet. This week, we’re talking to Christy Delafield, Managing Director of Communications at Mercy Corps, about the devastating effect the earthquake has had on Haiti and how Mercy Corps has been helping Haitians through this tragedy. Almost two weeks after the earthquake, Haiti is in need of treatment for the injured, access to food and shelter, COVID responses, help to rebuild infrastructure — and more.
Mercy Corps is a global team of humanitarians who work together on the front lines of crisis, disaster, poverty and climate change. Their team in Haiti — made up primarily of local Haitians — has been working in Haiti for years prior to the earthquake, and is currently working to procure thousands of kits with essential supplies and solar lanterns, plus providing cash assistance to 5,00 families — and working to support Haitians long-term with climate change efforts and farming needs. Simply put, Mercy Corps is doing the good that’s desperately needed after tragedy.
Guest: Christy Delafield, Managing Director of Communications at Mercy Corps
Visit the Mercy Corps’ website and donate to Haiti. Contact your elected officials in support of aiding Haiti.
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