Storm threatens rescue efforts as Haiti emerges from massive earthquake: NPR

More than 1,200 people are confirmed dead after the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Saturday. But as rescue crews burrow among the rubble of countless destroyed buildings, many fear the actual death toll may be much higher.

As of Sunday evening, the official death toll was 1,297 dead and 5,700 wounded. The 7.2-magnitude earthquake destroyed every type of building, including schools, hospitals, churches and prisons. Thousands of homes were destroyed. The impoverished island nation is preparing for another blow, as Tropical Depression Grace threatens to bring heavy rain and possible mudslides on Monday.

Destruction impedes aid delivery

“It is devastation across the region,” Margaret Lubin, Haitian representative for CORE Aid, said. He told NPR’s Weekend Edition. Many people are homeless.

“Hospitals are completely overwhelmed,” Lubin said. “We need doctors and medicine. And aid needs to get to remote areas. Roads are closed. So, there’s a lot, a lot, a lot to do.”

According to the Haitian Civil Protection Department, 1,054 deaths were reported in the southern part of the country, 122 in Nieps, 119 in Grand Anse, and two in the northwest.

Several humanitarian aid organizations have sent teams to Haiti to assess the situation. In the Nippes community in L’Asile, about half of all homes have been destroyed, said Lynn Hector, director of communications for Mercy Corps. She said major markets in the region had collapsed, leaving people without much-needed supplies. Damaged roads and collapsed bridges also made it difficult to bring in supplies.

“Everywhere is tormented,” said program director Allen Joseph, who is on the grounds of Nieps. “Lots and lots of people don’t have homes anymore. Everywhere we went people were crying, worried. Getting around is so hard.”

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in America supports search and rescue operations, as well as assistance with first aid and shelter. Priorities also include ensuring access to water and sanitation, while also keeping people safe from COVID-19, group said.

Aid organizations have warned that the death toll is likely to rise. The Dutch Red Cross “The destruction is enormous and people are working with all their might to get as many people as possible out of the rubble” Said earlier on Sunday. “The misery is not over yet.”

At the request of the Haitian government, the United States dispatched an urban search and rescue team of 65 people to assist in the search operations, She said USAID Departments Samantha Power. This team joins the earthquake disaster response team already on Earth. Several Latin American countries say they are also preparing to send humanitarian aid to Haiti.

People also try to help. Richard Hervey Forquand, a former Haitian senator, chartered a private plane to take the wounded from Les Quays to Port-au-Prince. “I have 30 people in serious condition waiting for me,” he said. New York times. But I only have seven seats.”

Tennis star Naomi Osaka Pledge To donate any prize money you may win this week to relief efforts in Haiti.

Tropical depression could pose a new threat

in a interview with ABC good morning americaHaiti’s ambassador to the United States, Bouquet Edmond, said authorities were still trying to find out how severe the devastation was. He said their top priority is access to medical care and shelter for people who have been injured or displaced.

Edmund also worries that the weather will complicate relief efforts. Tropical Depression Grace, which is currently making its way through the Caribbean, may bring heavy rain and flooding on Monday as it hits Haiti, potentially triggering mudslides. Many areas can see 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated areas up to 15 inches across the south of the country The National Hurricane Center said.

“I hope Grace is graceful enough to spare us,” Edmund said.