Multiple Hurricanes Cause Devastation in Haiti

Mrs. Reginald Desir has worked as a cashier at Grace Children's Hospital for the past four years. She lives in the town of Cabaret, a 45-minute commute from the hospital. Mrs. Desir's family just barely survived Hurricanes Hanna and Ike, the third and fourth tropical storms to batter Haiti in a month. Just days after Hanna's gale-force winds ripped a section of roof from her home, Hurricane Ike brought torrential rains and more destruction. Ike struck Haiti on September 8. That night, Mrs. Desir awoke to a wall of stormy floodwater as it crashed through her front door. The swift current took furniture, appliances and most of the family's possessions. Mrs. Desir and her family were able to safely escape the flooding, but tragically, the Desir's cook and the woman's two children did not survive. The tropical-force winds and floods caused by Faye, Gustav, Hanna and now Ike have severely affected over 100,000 Haitian children and their families. More than 400 people have lost their lives, and search efforts continue for many others who remain unaccounted for.

Before the storm, Mrs. Desir would commute more than 45 minutes on three tap-taps (public transportation) to get to her job. In the days following the storm, the tap-taps weren't running. Many Grace Children's Hospital employees made 2 to 3-hour treks on foot to the hospital to report for work and make sure that all of their young patients were receiving food and care.

Even for those who have been spared physically in the barrage of storms, the impact of these storms for all Haitians is still devastating. Gas, which was around $7.00 per gallon before the storm, has skyrocketed to $12.50 per gallon in the areas hardest hit and the food supply, already facing crisis, has led to a thriving black market for essential food items. The price of rice, a staple food in Haiti, has doubled over the past few weeks.

Unfortunately, the situation in Haiti may worsen before it improves. The national weather service is forecasting yet another tropical depression heading directly for the island of Hispaniola. This storm system will bring more wind and heavy rains to a country already in a state of emergency.

In the past, when great needs have arisen, our donors and partners have always given generously. Would you help International Child Care bring hope to those we serve - at a time when hope seems so far away? Please prayerfully consider making a generous gift online today and help us provide support to the areas of greatest need. Thank you and God bless!

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