August 23, 2021 | 2 p.m.
HAITI — Over the weekend, Convoy of Hope continued to supply residents with necessities through distribution hubs in two of the communities most devastated by the recent earthquake: Jérémie and Les Cayes. To date, Convoy has distributed more than 2 million meals in response to the earthquake, with an additional 2 million meals ready for transportation to distribution locations.
“We’ve had some incredible successes that we didn’t expect,” said Ryan Grabill of Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team. “Whereas it normally takes 40 days for a container to get to Haiti, we have a process where we’re able to move product in four or five days.”
Convoy of Hope and on-the-ground partners have reached rural communities through connections with other local entities. In a recent distribution, field partners used a military helicopter to transport emergency supplies in hard-to-reach areas. Capabilities like these allow Convoy to reach communities that are cut off from other parts of the country after a disaster, and keeps team members and supplies safe as they travel from one area to the next.
So far, Convoy of Hope has provided emergency relief to 45 communities across Haiti.
August 20, 2021 | 11:15 a.m.
HAITI — Less than a week after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, Convoy of Hope has provided more than 1 million meals in addition to sheltering supplies, medical supplies, water, and other necessities to people in need.
“We have now distributed more than 1 million meals, with another half a million meals that will be in the impacted areas today,” said Ryan Grabill of Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team. “The scene is hard to fathom. The shock of what has happened is beginning to wear off. We continue to work to provide hope in the midst of this great difficulty.”
After the dust settled following the back-to-back disasters that recently impacted Haiti, the scope of the damage became both apparent and harrowing. Recent reports indicate that the earthquake claimed more than 2,100 lives, injured more than 12,000 survivors, and displaced at least 30,000 families.
Convoy’s response will continue as we provide much-needed relief to Haitians affected by these disasters.
August 19, 2021 | 11:10 a.m.
HAITI — As Convoy of Hope continues to provide help and hope to those affected by back-to-back crises in Haiti, the local Civil Protection Agency reassessed the earthquake’s casualty count, which now includes more than 2,100 deaths. The earthquake caused more than 12,000 injuries, destroyed more than 7,000 homes, and displaced approximately 30,000 families, according to the Associated Press.
The timing of this news coincides with World Humanitarian Day — an annual event for the advocacy of those affected by humanitarian crises around the world. Right now, food, water and relief supplies are making their way to survivors of this event. Convoy of Hope’s ongoing work for more than the last 14 years, means that we have the relationship and capacity to help thousands upon thousands of people in need.
August 18, 2021 | 1:05 p.m.
HAITI — Convoy of Hope now has 3.5 million meals available for distribution in Haiti. Convoy continues to distribute tarps, solar lanterns, water filters, and other necessities to people affected by the earthquake and subsequent storm.
Tropical Storm Grace flooded many previously affected areas and created additional concern about the possibility of mudslides, Ryan Grabill of Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team confirmed.
“Although Tropical Storm Grace complicated relief efforts, it increased urgency over the distribution of relief supplies so that people can have shelter in this time,” Ryan added.
Convoy of Hope is taking precautions to mitigate safety concerns across parts of Haiti. Doing so keeps Convoy’s team members, partners, and supplies safe and secure so more people can quickly receive help and hope.
August 17, 2021 | 2:35 p.m.
HAITI — Tropical Depression Grace has gained strength and is now a tropical storm. Forecasts predict the potential for Grace to gain hurricane strength in the days to come as it leaves Haiti drenched and recovering. The National Hurricane Center reported up to 15 inches of rain in some parts of Haiti, as well as risk for flash floods and mudslides.
Many of those affected by Saturday’s earthquake and subsequent aftershocks struggled to find shelter as the storm — the third natural disaster in a week’s time — set its sights on Haiti. Displaced individuals scrambled to keep themselves and their remaining belongings safe and dry as precipitation began.
Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency reported that 1,400 fatalities have now been confirmed as a result of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake which took place Saturday morning.
Convoy of Hope’s response began Saturday and has continued throughout the beginning of the week. Convoy’s team members and local partners have committed to distributing 1 million meals to those affected. Additionally, Convoy is providing sheltering supplies, hygiene kits, medical supplies, and other necessities.
August 16, 2021 | 2:45 p.m.
HAITI — Convoy of Hope teams and partners on the ground in Haiti are now bracing for additional complications. On Monday, Tropical Depression Grace began drenching areas of Haiti after teams had just begun their recovery efforts following the earthquake Saturday morning. Forecasters are predicting more than 10 inches of rain in some areas.
Convoy of Hope’s response will continue, despite the inclement weather. In addition to other relief supplies, Convoy’s response to this disaster includes food, water, solar lanterns, and tarps for those in desperate need of shelter as the tropical depression bears down on Haiti.
“I am worried about the upcoming storm as it can complicate the situation for us,” Jerry Chandler, head of Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency, said on Sunday.
Immediately following the earthquake, landslides, and rubble isolated some areas by blocking roads, including the road between Jérémie and Les Cayes — both of which sustained heavy damage in the earthquake on Saturday morning.
The additional precipitation could easily lead to added mudslides and flash floods, further complicating relief efforts.
Consistent aftershocks have relentlessly shaken many areas — the largest registered as a magnitude 5.2 quake. Experts predict that aftershocks may continue for weeks.
The official number has risen to more than 1,300 fatalities, according to Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency. The Haitian Prime Minister declared a one-month state of emergency in response to the disaster.
On Monday, Convoy of Hope sent a barge full of additional relief supplies to affected areas. Meanwhile, Convoy’s partners and team members continued to reach people affected by this crisis.
August 15, 2021 | 5:12 p.m.
HAITI — Convoy of Hope, alongside partner Mission of Hope, plans to distribute an initial 1 million meals to those affected by the earthquake that struck Haiti yesterday. In addition to food, Convoy will also distribute hygiene kits and sheltering supplies. Thankfully, Convoy’s in-country warehouse was not damaged by the quake, so distributions can begin immediately.
Government agencies in Haiti have reported that at least 724 people have died and more than 2,800 have been injured. However, the death toll could reach into the thousands.
Convoy of Hope began feeding children in Haiti in 2007, but the program expanded immensely following the 2010 earthquake. Alongside partners at Mission of Hope, Convoy now feeds 104,307 children at nearly 500 program centers.
August 14, 2021 | 2:55 p.m.
HAITI — At approximately 7:30 a.m. on the morning of August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. Convoy of Hope quickly sprang into action.
“As soon as the earthquake hit in Haiti this morning, our team both at our headquarters and on the ground began working to figure out exactly what happened, what the needs are, and how we can assist moving forward,” said Ryan Grabill of Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team.
Before the earthquake was over, Convoy of Hope already had relief supplies staged and ready for distribution. We are now providing food, water, hygiene kits, and medical supplies to those in need following this disaster.
The quake took place approximately 78 miles west of Port Au Prince — Haiti’s capital and most densely populated city. Initial reports indicated that the damage was widespread and the casualty count is harrowing, but it seems that Port Au Prince may have been spared the worst of it.
This disaster came hot on the heels of Tropical Depression Fred, which brought high winds and heavy rains in Haiti just a few days prior. Tropical Storm Grace is expected to impact Haiti in the days to follow — the third disaster to strike Haiti in less than a week.
Convoy of Hope confirmed that its team members in the area are safe. Responses from Convoy’s program centers around the country are still pending.
