Flooding last month from Tropical Storm Hanna ravaged this section of Hinche, the capital city of Haiti's Central Plateau region. Hanna was just one among four fierce storms that devastated this impoverished island nation in a period of less than one month.
Photo ©2008 Yves Beauge/World Vision

We have already assisted more than 16,000 flood survivors across Haiti with emergency food, as well as clothing, shoes, hygiene kits, water, cooking utensils, shelter materials, and medicine to thousands more.

'Far from being over'

The five-month initiative funded by USAID will assist approximately 56,500 flood survivors through the rehabilitation of a water system in the town of Posbaiemarose, and the restoration of more than 100 wells and pumps in the Central Plateau and Port-de-Paix regions. In and around Port-de-Paix (Northwest Department) and Hinche (Central Department), this grant will help World Vision further protect the health of 13,000 survivors by providing household hygiene kits that include essential items such as soap, toothbrushes, cooking utensils, and clean water containers. These items will also ensure that families are able to safely return to their homes.

"With the entire country affected by the flooding, this emergency is far from being over," warned Wesley Charles, World Vision's national director in Haiti. "With so many families already hungry from the spike in global food prices, we must continue to galvanize support for the needs of people in Haiti. This grant from USAID is timely and will help us reach thousands more in need."

A holistic relief approach

Beyond emergency food and relief items, World Vision provided logistical and other support to local authorities assisting displaced families in shelters, and also assessed the protection and well-being of children living in shelters. We plan to provide additional support to children in the Central Plateau region as they return to school. World Vision's response has been focused in and around Saut d'Eau, Marchand Dessalines, Petite Rivičre, Mirebalais, Verrettes, Cabaret, Hinche, La Gonāve, Saint Marc, and La Chapelle.

In the midst of widespread destruction, an innovative watershed protection program prevented significant flooding damage on the island of La Gonāve, saving both lives and crops. The protective walls on La Gonāve are being built by community members as part of a World Vision Food for Assets program, funded by USAID. World Vision is replicating the project in several other locations on Haiti's mainland.

"In the past, because of soil erosion, we had destructive flooding in La Gonāve after just 30 minutes of heavy rain. Now, after four storms in a row and hours of rain, the crops and homes in this area have been largely spared due to these walls," said Constant Joseph, Mayor of Anse-a-Galets in La Gonāve.

Cash donations are still needed for World Vision's flooding response in Haiti.

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