Earthquake Rattles Northern Haiti: Red Cross Races to Respond

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck northern Haiti on October 6, 2018 frightening residents across the country. At least 17 people lost their lives and more than 400 people have been injured by the strong tremor. In its wake, thousands of households are affected. The Haitian Red Cross and American Red Cross have been providing critical aid in the earthquake’s aftermath.  

DAMAGE IN THE EPICENTER

Most of the damage occurred in the residential areas of the North West, Artibonite and North departments. More than 7,000 houses are damaged and more than 350 have been destroyed in the North West, North and Artibonite.

Infrastructure has also been impacted. Four schools have been destroyed in Pilate and the North, along with damage to 42 public institutions including churches and schools in Artibonite.   

RAPID RED CROSS MOBILIZATION  

More than 40 Haitian Red Cross volunteers mobilized in the immediate aftermath to assess the needs of community members.

In the hard-hit areas of Port-de-Paix and Gros-Morne, more than 30 Red Cross workers have been providing first aid and comfort to survivors. Dozens more rescue workers are on the ground in Gonaïves providing first aid.

As people with injuries poured into local hospitals after the earthquake, there was an urgent need for blood. The Haitian Red Cross rapidly transported blood and plasma to stock the shelves of hospitals. Lifesaving units of blood were used for patient surgeries at Beracca Hospital in Port de Paix.  

The Haitian Red Cross appealed for blood donations locally to build the supply for patients in need. As of today, the situation has evolved in the North West and there is no longer a dire need for blood.  

As relief efforts continue, Red Cross staff are coordinating with local authorities. Haitian Red Cross teams are focused on the distribution of medical and relief supplies, health support, and water and sanitation in affected areas.   

The Red Cross will continue working around the clock to help people affected by the most recent earthquake.

AMERICAN RED CROSS SUPPORT

The American Red Cross is coordinating with the Haitian Red Cross to provide relief in the hardest hit communities.  

Thanks to American Red Cross support, a specialized health team rapidly deployed to provide critical medical care—including a medical doctor, nurse and two trained rescue volunteers. In response to urgent needs at the Immaculée Conception Hospital in Port-de-Paix, the American Red Cross is helping to provide lifesaving medical supplies.  

The American Red Cross has relief supplies prepositioned in the area, including mosquito nets, cholera kits, and shelter kits.  

The Haitian Red Cross and American Red have been collaborating in the North West since 2013, including through trainings on disaster risk reduction and local disaster response.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IN HAITI

Immediately after a 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in 2010, the American people opened their hearts and donated generously to help save lives. Thanks to donations, Red Cross teams did just that—providing food, water, medical care, emergency shelter, cash grants, and other essentials to millions of people. And when Hurricane Matthew—the strongest storm to hit the country in 50 years—made landfall, we prepositioned teams and provided lifesaving aid to those who needed it most. Americans’ generosity made this critical work possible.

Learn more about American Red Cross assistance in Haiti: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/international-services/haiti-assistance-program.html.