Hurricane Matthew: World Vision Responding to Haiti Devastation

Hurricane Matthew, which slammed into the southwest of Haiti a few days ago, has killed at least 800 people in Haiti and affected up to 1.3 million people. Over 500,000 children are affected. Houses and roads are damaged or destroyed. People are staying in overcrowded temporary shelters and are in dire need of life-saving supplies like clean water and food.

“We fear that even despite the jump in the death toll figures, they may continue to rise in the coming hours and days, especially as people gain access to the hardest hit areas,” says John Hasse, National Director of World Vision in Haiti.

“Haitians, who have experienced many storms, are still shocked at how the landscape has been flattened, as well as the amount of buildings, trees, and crops that are destroyed.” says Hasse. In the south, at least 80 percent of people have lost the roofs on their homes.

“A large portion of Haiti’s food is produced in the south where the damage is most severe. We expect to see food shortages and/or price spikes throughout the country in the coming weeks and months.” Humanitarian workers are also worried about cholera and other water borne disease outbreak.

World Vision Haiti is responding on the ground by distributing blankets, water and other emergency items, while conducting assessment in various affected areas of the country. World Vision also plans to set up child-friendly spaces to ensure the protection of children, and to help repair/rebuild local clinics and schools.

World Vision Hong Kong has initially committed HK$780,000 to the relief efforts, and is closely monitoring the situation in order to offer appropriate help. And we call on the Hong Kong community to support Haiti during this difficult time.

Donations can be made through:

1. Direct Bank-in
Hang Seng Bank：286-364385-002
Bank of China：012-883-00025025

2. Crossed cheue can be made payable to “WORLD VISION HONG KONG”. Please send bank-in slip or crossed cheque together with your personal particulars to Freepost No. 69, World Vision Hong Kong (free postage) and write “Haiti Hurricane Relief” on the envelope. Donations are tax-deductible with official receipts.

3. Online donation

For enquiries on the relief work of “Haiti Hurricane Relief”, please call the World Vision Hotline 2394 2394.

Published on 9 Oct 2016