Hurricane Response
On Friday, 5 November 2010, Hurricane Tomas brought strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding to the disaster-weary residents of Haiti.
In the days and hours leading up to the hurricane, Medair worked in close coordination with local authorities and other agencies to help protect the most vulnerable people—many of whom were still living in makeshift shelters.
Right after the hurricane passed, the Medair team ventured into the storm-battered city of Jacmel to assess the damage and visit beneficiaries.
Here is the story of those intense days, told through photos taken by Medair staff:
Hurricane Response
After 10 months of work, Medair has built 1,695 sturdy, transitional shelters, housing 10,170 Haitians.
Hurricane Response
Authorities cautioned people living in camps to find safer refuge before the hurricane.
Hurricane Response
As the storm approached, Medair met with authorities and other agencies to assist with evacuations.
Hurricane Response
Rosaline: “We were especially afraid to move the children in the strong winds... but then the vehicles came.”
Hurricane Response
“It was heartbreaking to witness people sorting through what was left of their possessions for the second time this year.”– (Emma Le Beau, Medair)
Hurricane Response
Encouragingly, Medair’s transitional shelters proved resilient to the storm conditions.
Hurricane Response
“We were not afraid during the hurricane. We know that this house is strong so we felt safe.” (Germain)
To read more about Medair’s response to Hurricane Tomas, click here.
Medair began working in Jacmel, Haiti within days of the devastating earthquake in January 2010. By November 23rd 2010, after 10 months of work, we had constructed 1,695 transitional shelters, housing 10,170 people, but the needs for shelter remain high in Jacmel and across the South-East department. Our work, thanks to your support, is ongoing and will reach out to thousands of more people in the coming months.
Medair’s transitional shelter programme in Haiti is made possible by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Medair Haiti programme is also supported by Läkarmissionen, ICAP Charity Day, and by private donors.
This photo feature was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.
