Photo by Reuters/Evens Felix
Haiti (MNN) ― Haiti's situation continues to grow more desperate. Four major storms in rapid succession struck the island nation, flooding out the roads and fields, and destroying the crops. That will worsen an already critical food crisis. Standing water and closed hospitals are another concern.
Two million dollars is on its way to temporarily fix bridges so emergency supplies can be trucked into hard-hit villages. The United States pledged $20-million to help with rebuilding, food and medicine.
The storms killed at least 300 people in Haiti, and of those affected, 52% are estimated to be women and 36% children. Elderly people and pregnant women are among the most vulnerable needing care.
However, few medical facilities were able to remain open. Those that could are running critically low on supplies and can't replenish them because of the impassable roads. Add to that standing water, and there is a growing concern over water-borne diseases and festering injuries that could lead to a second wave of disaster.
Sonny Enriquez with International Aid is coordinating relief programs with several faith-based groups in Haiti. So far, they've sent $250,000 worth of help. "We're working through a number of partner agencies on the ground. We're primarily working in the health sector, trying to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. So far, we've sent 5,000 hygiene kits."
They're also raising funds to provide HydrAidTM BioSand Water Filters and the Lab-in-a-Suitcase which contains basic laboratory instruments for blood and urine analysis. This portable kit can also function without electricity, using power-producing solar panels.
Despite all the response with supplies, that's not all International Aid is doing. The local church is also a big part of the recovery effort.
Enriquez says church partners will bring more than physical assistance: they'll bring the Gospel. "People in need are clinging onto something that could provide them real life support. As things start to become normal, they start searching and asking themselves, 'What has happened to me?' 'What's next?' 'Where will I move?' This is where the message of hope comes in and the message of healing."
