Earthquake in Haïti

16 August 2021

On 14 August, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, causing heavy damage particularly in the south of the country. A first provisional estimate puts the death toll at over 1,297 and the number of injured at 5,700.

Haiti has been hit again by the earthquake: initial reports indicate widespread damage, particularly in the south of the country in Jérémie and Les Cayes. A lot of the country’s infrastructure, such as hospitals, roads, bridges and buildings, has been damaged or completely destroyed.

“Efforts to save lives are the priority at this stage. Providing support for search and rescue, first aid, emergency care and shelter is a priority for the Red Cross,” says Roger Alonso of the Disasters, Crises and Climate unit of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The IFRC is currently assessing the extent of the damage and the needs with the Haitian Red Cross.

The Luxembourg Red Cross, through the International Federation of Red Cross Societies, will provide assistance to local volunteers trained in first aid. We can provide initial material support to build emergency shelters. And our Emergency Response Unit has been on pre-alert since Saturday and is ready to assist with on-the-spot needs assessments.

This earthquake is reminiscent of the one on 12 January 2010. It killed 200,000 people and displaced a further 2 million. The country was still struggling to recover. In addition, Tropical Storm Grace, which formed on 14 August in the Caribbean, is on its way to Haiti and could hit the country on 17 August. Haiti needs us more than ever!

Call for donations

People wishing to help the victims of the earthquake can make a donation to the Luxembourg Red Cross: by transfer to
CCPL  LU52 1111 0000 1111 0000 (Haiti 2021) or directly on the website.

These funds will finance the emergency response and reconstruction by the Haitian Red Cross and other national societies involved.