On October 6th, 2016, NCM Haiti reported on the state of the population and the Church of the Nazarene in the country; after category 4 Hurricane Mathew hit the southern part Haiti last Monday night.
- More than 1,125,402 people were affected.
- More than 350,000 people in need.
- 15,623 people were evacuated.
- 1,855 flooded houses.
- 114 people dead of which 38 are from the department of Grand ‘ Anse.
- 3,214 homes were destroyed.
This information is obtained from che OCHA (United Nation’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) report.
Regarding the districts:
Most people have lost their crops and livestock. At the moment, damage has been reported in 7 churches. The new Grand’Anse District and South District, were the most affected. Because there is no electricity, there is no way to communicate with them. Haiti NCM is working to mobilize to Grand’Anse and meet with superintendent David Esperance, to continue the evaluation. This will take time because of a collapsed bridge that links the southern part of with the capital of Port -au-Prince. The South Central and Southeast district were affected to a lesser extent as was the Lower Northwest district.
Many of the houses in Haiti are fragile due to their construction, wood and concrete. Some people still live in makeshift tents after the 2010 earthquake. The country is also vulnerable due to extreme deforestation that makes the soil susceptible to landslides and floods.
Floods and lack of clean water sources could bring a second disaster to Haiti with possible cholera outbreak. NCM has 500 SAWYER water filters ready to be distributed and about 600 care crisis kits, they are also working on making food packages for families.
The Church of the Nazarene in Haiti has 12 districts and more than 500 local churches. Four districts are in the south of the peninsula and the island of La Gonave, which was also directly affected by the hurricane.
How can you help?
Praying
For those who are grieving the loss of loved ones and their homes. For children and seniors, for God’s protection against other diseases such as cholera. Pray that people can find the comfort and peace of God. Also, pray for the churches that are working to care for and meet the urgent needs of their community.
Giving
All the churches and people of the world can provide support through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, the Fund Mathew Hurricane Response. Donations will be used for immediate needs, as well as for long – term recovery and reconstruction.
Source: Carlos Saenz, Mesoamerica Regional Director, Church of the Nazarene.
NCN News: http://www.nazarene.org/article/hurricane-matthew-hits-caribbean-keeps-moving
