The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday launched an appeal for funds of 15 million dollars to help the Haitian authorities to provide assistance to the population of the south of the country affected by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake on the Richter scale and Tropical Storm Grace.
According to official figures, the earthquake left more than 2,200 dead and more than 12,000 injured. Nearly 53,000 buildings have collapsed and another 77,000 are severely damaged. It is estimated that at least 650,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed paid a solidarity visit to Haiti on Thursday and Friday. In particular, she met the communities affected in the city of Les Cayes damaged by the earthquake.
The UN number two assured Haitians that the UN remains committed to working under the leadership of national and local authorities to help not only provide vital support for the immediate response to the earthquake, but also during the reconstruction phase. .
Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Ramesh Rajasingham was in Haiti on Monday to assess needs.
Assistance with housing, mental health, prevention of Covid-19
The IOM fundraising appeal aims to provide housing, temporary shelter, mental health and Covid-19 prevention assistance to some 137,000 families made extremely vulnerable by the recent earthquake.
“For the first few months alone, we need at least $ 15 million to provide housing assistance, help affected Haitians return home and ensure they have basic livelihoods,” Federica said. Cecchet, IOM Deputy Head of Mission in Haiti, in a press release.
Barely 48 hours after the earthquake of August 14, IOM set up bases in each of the most affected areas and now has additional centers in Jérémie (Grand’Anse), Les Cayes (South) and Miragoane (Nippes). The UN agency is using satellite imagery to analyze damage assessments and thousands of plastic sheeting, hygiene kits, blankets, collapsible jerry cans and kitchen utensils have already been distributed to help maintain minimum living conditions for affected families. IOM also has a team of engineers who support structural assessment work in affected municipalities in southern Haiti.
IOM also aims to provide mental health care and psychosocial support to families, with special attention to women and girls, through psychologists on site. IOM psychologists are trained in protection from sexual exploitation and abuse and provide targeted support to those affected by the earthquake.
Insecurity has hampered the delivery of aid to some communities and IOM plans to implement sustainable local initiatives to ensure that aid reaches those most in need.
In New York, members of the Security Council discussed the humanitarian situation in Haiti on Monday.
The Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Helen La Lime, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, each briefed Council members.