In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in Port-a-Piment, Haiti

 October 14th, 2016.- Ten (10) days after Hurricane Matthew made landfall on the southwestern peninsula of Haiti, the situation on the ground continues to be worrisome.  Only a trickle of relief efforts is beginning to reach the area. The cholera epidemic and need for potable water continue to be the major problems facing the commune of Port-a-Piment.  The mayor, Mr. Raymond Pierre-Louis, told us that as of last weekend, 48 patients had died at the hospital following the hurricane. From the Konbit Pou Potapiman members on the ground, we are slowly getting a clearer picture of the extent of the devastation. So far:

  • In the first section of the commune (around Cavalier), 340 homes have been         totally destroyed, 54 people dead.
  • In both sections of the commune (Balai and Paricot) crops, trees and animals         have been wiped out
  • Town of Port-a-Piment – over 90% of homes damaged or destroyed…
  • In addition, the hospital in Port-a-Piment is overwhelmed with wounded and         people coming from all the surrounding areas suffering from Cholera.
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Our efforts include interviews on radio stations to inform the world of what is going on, meeting with different organizations in the Diaspora to coordinate relief efforts for the peninsula, and the collection of funds through  www.gofundme.com/ 2twyaxph or the PayPal option at  www.portapiment.com
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An action plan is being drawn jointly with members of KPP on the ground. We plan to revitalize the Paskoma valley so that crops could be harvested in a short period of time. Meetings are being conducted with the representative of the Agriculture Department to assess the needs for rapid intervention.  Also, members of KPP have identified the overall sanitation of the town as a priority where KPP should intervene to help in this emergency. Materials such as wheelbarrows, shovels have been ordered, to be shipped to Port a Piment to start the cleaning process over the 21 streets of the town. In collaboration with “Men nan Men organization”, medical supplies such as Diarrix will be distributed in the villages most affected by the cholera epidemic. Diarrix is a product that has proven to be very effective in stopping diarrhea. Its use will allow the patient enough time to reach the hospital for treatment.
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Our liaison in Port-au-Prince, Dr Ernst Joseph is spearheading our efforts to provide clean water. KPP has secured a solar powered water filter as a gift from the“Men nan Men””  organization. Two young men from Port-a-Piment have already traveled to Port-au-Prince to be trained in the upkeep of the system. We expect the filter to be fully functional by next week. We will continue our search for a larger system as we move forward.
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Although communications with our peers are very scarce, due to the damage that the phone system suffered during the passage of Hurricane Matthew, we will keep you informed of our progress. We thank all you who have already contributed to our relief efforts. The cause is noble. Your help is needed and please continue to invite friends to contribute.

 

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