We were deeply saddened to learn that on Tuesday, October 4th, Hurricane Matthew made landfall in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The hurricane is a category 4 storm that is expected to deliver 140 mph winds and massive amounts of rainfall.
As we get updates from our local project leaders we will post them to https://www.facebook.com/affhopehaiti/ and send them out to people on our AFF Email List. We are anxious to learn about the condition of our current projects and to line up whatever help is needed.
If traveled with us to Haiti, you’ve seen the state of the country’s infrastructure first-hand and know that it is not designed to withstand this kind of event.
- Housing typically consists of cinder blocks, salvaged materials, and tarps. People’s homes and belongings are going to be exposed to the brunt of the winds on Monday night.
- The storm drain system around Port-au-Prince consists of 3′ deep canals on the sides of some roads. The water is going to have a very difficult time escaping this metropolitan area of 2.6 million people that is shaped like a giant amphitheater.
- The trees in the surrounding hillsides have been stripped away over the years, which makes the region very susceptible to landslides.
- And, our J Nissi School resides in Cité Soleil, a city built below sea level on an old marsh at edge of the sea.
It’s hard not to feel helpless as we think about the impact this storm is going to have on Silar, Doctor Bordes, Jean Philippe, and all of our other partners and friends in Haiti.
Thank you for being a part of this story in the days, weeks, and months to come.
