REMEMBERING THE 2010 EARTHQUAKE

15 years ago, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, and its surrounding areas. January 12th is Jour De Remembrance, a day to commemorate the victims of this disaster.

The initial earthquake had only lasted a 30 fateful seconds, but unfortunately that was just the beginning. 52 aftershocks and a tsunami would follow. Though our team in Pignon was not directly affected, the disaster would majorly influence our work in the coming months. At the time, Haiti Outreach’s main focus was on well drilling. But as soon as the earthquake hit, we ceased all operations and focused our efforts on providing humanitarian aid in Port-au-Prince. 

Here, we supported the victims in the way we knew best, through water. 

For the first two months, we delivered portable water to people with our water truck. During this time we also assisted with the repair of the water and electrical systems in Port-au-prince’s General Hospital. We installed a water supply system for a recovery center Doctors Without Borders had built to treat victims as well. We also worked with the Haitian government to strategize the next steps following this disaster.

Of course, none of this could have been done without our wonderful donors who contributed over $150,000 to just earthquake relief and aid. Thank you to those of you who supported us in a variety of ways during this trying time. Your support means everything to us. 

The 2010 earthquake took the lives of over 160,000 people, and caused over 8 billion dollars in damages. It is the most devastating earthquake in recorded history. When people question why conditions in Haiti have remained dire for generations, they seldom think of tragedies such as this, that greatly hinder the advancement of Haiti. Haiti is prone to natural disasters and since it lacks the infrastructure it needs to sustain itself during these catastrophic events, NGOs and other countries take ownership of “fixing” the problem, which has been necessary in the short term, but harmful in the long run. Had Haitian citizens had been given a voice, or had the education needed to take action during this time, the outcome would be much different. 

Though Haiti Outreach started with water, and we will continue to work we water, our secret sauce is our curriculum! Here at Haiti Outreach, we aim to educate and empower the Haitian people with the tools to sustain their country's needs and take action when tragedy strikes.

Rest and peace to the victims of the 2010 earthquake. Let’s work together for a better future.