Haiti's 2010 Catastrophic Earthquake
The most devastating earthquake to hit Haiti in 100 years took place on January 12, 2010. Due to the proximity of the quake to the capital, Port-Au-Prince, and the population density, the casualties were enormous. It has been estimated that 200,000 to 230,000 have been reported dead, and as many as 100,000 people are now homeless. In a country which already suffers from a lack of sufficient infastructure this natural disaster will carry repurcussions that will last a lifetime.
Many of Port-Au-Prince's municipal buildings have been destroyed, an estimated 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings were also severely damaged. A large percentage of the nation's schools and hospitals have been affected, thus compounding the extent of this disaster.
Following the earthquake people were sleeping in the streets either because of the loss of their homes, or for fear of the callapse of any existing buildings. The health risks that are now present due to the high death toll, lack of medical facilities, poor infrastructure, rampant looting, and vandalism, will make it very difficult to rectify the situation.
ARCF has suffered the tragic loss of nine of our children. We have also lost the children's home in Jacmel due to the earthquake. We have been fortunate to find temporary shelter in Port-Au-Prince as well as food and provisions. We greatly need to rebuild for the security of the children. Presently we have property in Les Cayes as well as in Port-Au-Prince. Please join us in rebuilding their home. In order for Haiti to recover it is going to take the efforts of other nations, both NGO's, and governmental organizations, and individuals like you !!!!
