The earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, had a profound impact on the country. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake killed an estimated 316,000 people and affected approximately 3 million others. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 10 miles southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince. In response to the disaster, the U.S. Government provided more than $1.1 billion to meet humanitarian needs in Haiti in FY 2010, including more than $716 million from USAID.
Humanitarian efforts in the year following the earthquake focused on providing safe drinking water, food, household items, shelter, sanitation facilities, and health services to affected populations. USAID continues to work closely with other U.S. Government agencies, the Government of Haiti, international organizations, the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations to coordinate ongoing efforts and facilitate the transition from emergency relief activities to recovery operations.
The cholera outbreak in Haiti, which began in October 2010, has posed a significant challenge to the country’s health system. The Pan American Health Organization reported 248 functioning cholera treatment facilities throughout Haiti’s 10 departments as of June 1, 2011. USAID/OFDA has provided nearly $40 million for cholera response activities in Haiti, including the establishment and operation of more than 30 cholera treatment facilities and nearly 130 oral rehydration points.
Heavy rainfall in Haiti since June 1 has caused flooding and landslides in Port-au-Prince, West Department, and isolated areas of Center, Nippes, and South departments. The Government of Haiti’s Department of Civil Protection and humanitarian agencies, including USAID/OFDA grantees, are distributing shelter materials and other non-food items and conducting mitigation activities to prevent additional flooding. The Department of Civil Protection Emergency Operations Centers in West and South departments remain activated, and USAID/OFDA staff continue to monitor the situation.
The humanitarian context in Haiti remains complex, with ongoing efforts to address the needs of earthquake-affected populations and respond to the cholera outbreak. USAID/OFDA program office staff remain in Haiti to monitor the evolving humanitarian situation, enhance coordination, and monitor ongoing USAID/OFDA-funded response activities for both cholera and the earthquake. USAID/OFDA is working closely with USAID/Haiti, USAID/OTI, CDC, and the humanitarian community to coordinate efforts and facilitate a smooth transition from emergency relief activities to development programming