Status: 08/19/2021 9:14 a.m.
After the severe earthquake in Haiti, the death toll is increasing. According to the civil protection authorities, the number rose by more than 200 to 2189. Around 300 people are still missing. There is a state of emergency in four provinces.
In Haiti, the state of emergency continues to apply in four affected provinces after the devastating earthquake on Saturday. The death toll has continued to rise. According to the civil protection authority, the number of confirmed deaths is now 2189. The number of injured also continued to rise and now stands at 12,268. According to the authority, 332 people are still missing.
The 7.2 magnitude earthquake in southwest Haiti destroyed or damaged more than 37,000 homes. 30,000 families no longer have a roof over their heads.
“The country is externally and internally destroyed”
Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he was not ready to end the search. “Some of our citizens are still under the rubble.” At the same time he called on the Haitians to unite. “We have to put our heads together to rebuild Haiti. The country has been destroyed externally and internally.”
Government pledges support
Henry assured that he would personally ensure that unlike the 2010 earthquake, the support will also reach those who needed it. The mistakes of the past will not be repeated. Tens of thousands of buildings were destroyed or damaged in the impoverished country, which had not fully recovered from a devastating earthquake in 2010.
According to experts, numerous people are still without protection. “We have serious problems accommodating the people who have lost their homes in the earthquake. The situation is confusing and chaotic. People are exposed to the rain,” said Jean Stenio Pierre, UNICEF director in Les Cayes, Haiti, who ” Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung “” There were also some weak aftershocks. Many continue to hesitate to return to the buildings that are still intact.
Rainfalls make it difficult to help
Initially, helpers had “considerable problems” in reaching the affected area, “mainly because of the security situation on some connecting routes that are controlled by gangs,” explained Pierre. “The authorities and various organizations have managed to negotiate the establishment of a humanitarian corridor.” Some areas are still inaccessible and the rain makes it even more difficult to help. “Meanwhile, with the help of the authorities, foreign governments and international organizations, the seriously injured are being transferred to other hospitals outside the disaster area.”
The authorities were not prepared for such a disaster, said Pierre. “Any kind of help is now urgently needed. The shortage is extraordinary.” Aid should not be limited to urban centers. “In some peripheral districts in particular, the destruction caused by the quake is terrifying. All available forces must now be distributed in the region.” The Haitian government needs international help. Overall, the country urgently needs more stability.