The earthquake that occurred on Saturday morning, August 14, left hundreds dead and thousands injured. Photo: AP.
Just a week ago, the earth shook in Haiti. And left a devastating toll: 2189 dead and more than 12 thousand wounded, while survivors seek asylum and government assistance.
The earthquake originated in the Enrico Plantin Fault, which was inactive for 240 years until the 2010 earthquake, and is responsible for more than 200,000 deaths and 1.5 million displaced people.
“Like the 2010 event, the mechanism of this earthquake suggests an oblique thrust fault along the Enriquillo-Plantine Park region, the main fault structure and the microplate boundary in the region,” the US geologist noted.
More than 138,000 families were affected by the earthquake. The government estimates that 600,000 people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
this week, Several countries mobilized to provide assistance, including Cuba, which deployed doctors, nurses, and other specialists from its brigade to treat the wounded. Countries such as Venezuela, Mexico, Chile, Panama, Colombia, the United States, Japan and Germany have also sent tons of humanitarian aid or rescue and rescue teams.
Since Wednesday, medical supplies, water, food and medicine have started arriving in the affected areas, although regional authorities have warned against neglecting areas far from cities. In addition, they encouraged international organizations, NGOs or other associations that process aid through civil protection, which have structures in all departments and municipalities of the country.
Last Saturday’s earthquake was followed by Tropical Storm Grace, which is responsible for four more deaths and one missing in the southeastern province, according to civil protection coordination in that area.
More than 77,000 homes collapsed in the counties of Sur, Nebes and Grand Anse, 53 thousand suffered minor and serious damage, while 127 schools, 60 churches, houses of worship and 25 health buildings were destroyed.
Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohamed, visited Haiti. Addressing the situation, he expressed the multilateral organization’s solidarity with the people and government of Haiti.
During her 48-hour visit, the official met with Prime Minister Ariel Henry, representatives of social organizations, and directors of Civil Protection, an institution that leads the search and rescue of victims after the earthquake.
I also conclude my visit to #HaitiMy heart goes out to the people of Haiti who have gone through so many crises.
The @a It will continue to accompany and support efforts to enable Haitian-led recovery. pic.twitter.com/k6SkZFbyrP
– Amina Mohammed (@AminaJMohammed) August 21, 2021
Amina Mohamed, upon her arrival in the Caribbean country, said that the United Nations would continue to cooperate and support efforts to allow the island to be restored under the leadership of Henry’s government.
Mohamed said the situation in Haiti after the earthquake presents an opportunity for greater national cohesion, although he noted that it “will require investment in long-term development and support of government leadership.”
On behalf of the @a Secretary-General, voiced to the Prime Minister Tweet embed The @aHis full support in working with the government – showing courageous leadership in responding to the earthquake and coordinating international support #Haiti to recover better. pic.twitter.com/ga34uYEGsc
– Amina Mohammed (@AminaJMohammed) August 20 2021
(with information from Prensa Latina and Telesur)
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