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“It’s been three months since Hurricane Matthew and Handicap International continues its work in Haiti despite a number of logistical complications, such as difficulties accessing people living in remote areas,” explains Hélène Robin, head of Handicap International’s emergency response.
Despite the difficulties, “Handicap International distributed over 700 emergency kits–each including a toolbox, ropes, tarpaulins, and fastener–to the disaster victims. This was a real help for some families who had not received any assistance until that point. These kits will enable families to have a sustainable form of shelter.”
More of our emergency relief work
Logistics
Hurricane Matthew and the flooding in the north and south of the country have damaged a large number of roads and bridges. Handicap International set up a logistics platform, which uses the roads and sea routes to cover the Sud, Grand Anse, and Nippes areas in order to facilitate the shipment of humanitarian aid to people in the hard-to-reach areas. We dispatched 32 road and 12 sea convoys and shipped close to 400 tons of humanitarian aid–shelters, tools, and hygiene kits–in partnership with other humanitarian organizations.
Clearing the rubble
Handicap International is supporting the clearing work organized by the local districts in Grande Anse by transporting rubble and helping to reopen roads vital for transporting humanitarian aid and restarting economic activity.
Caring for the most vulnerable
Handicap International also identifies the most vulnerable people–isolated heads of household, pregnant women, elderly, and people with disabilities–in Grande Anse and Sud. We also work to make sure other humanitarian stakeholders provide access to services for these vulnerable members of the community including healthcare, education, and rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation and counseling
Two mobile teams each comprising of three experts–a project manager, a counseling project manager, and a social worker–were deployed after the hurricane to the town of Les Cayes to look after the injured. Each team assessed the state of the hospital and rehabilitation services and supplied wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers. More than 150 people attended rehabilitation sessions. We also ran counseling sessions for the victims.