Thursday 25 February, 2010

The small island of La Gonave, located off the west coast of Haiti, is now experiencing the aftershock of the devastating January 12 earthquake – an influx of people seeking refuge from the destruction on the mainland.

Over 40,000 people have fled to the island since the earthquake, overwhelming the already limited resources of these struggling communities.

“The total population of La Gonave is around 100,000, so an increase of 40,000 people is having a significant impact,” said Kimcy Blaise, World Vision’s Regional Coordinator for La Gonave.

The island had a 13% chronically malnourished rate before the earthquake, which could easily be exacerbated if food issues are not addressed rapidly.

Price of rice increases

“The price of rice has increased 60% since the earthquake,” said Kimcy. “Local providers are finding it very difficult to get products from Port-au-Prince because many warehouses in the capital were destroyed – so there are very limited supplies.”

“World Vision is conducting distributions of wheat, beans and oil to reach a total of 30,000 people. The supplies will help with the lack of food on the island right now and the increased demand.”

The rations being distributed to families will last for 2 weeks before the next cycle.

World Vision had food supplies pre-positioned in a warehouse on the island before the earthquake, as part of its ongoing work in La Gonave.

Yvette receives desperately needed food for her family

Among those who found shelter in La Gonave is Yvette Lapointe, a mother of 4 who brought her children to La Gonave to live with her parents after their home was destroyed.

Immediately after the earthquake the family left their destroyed home and fled to a makeshift camp and found living there very difficult with little assistance.

“It was cold in the camp. When there were aftershocks people cried and screamed because they were so afraid. I’m not going back to Port-au-Prince. I am too scared,” said Yvette.

The number of occupants at Yvette’s parents’ house went from 4 to 11.

Since they arrived World Vision has provided them with wheat, beans and cooking oil.

World Vision is considering ways of stimulating the island’s economy during the displacement crisis using cash-for-work or food-for-work programs. This will help the host community and the displaced generate income and improve the island’s poor infrastructure.

Read latest updates about World Vision’s response and children sponsored by Australians here.

You can donate to the Haiti earthquake appeal here.