The Caribbean island of Hispaniola, comprised of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, was inundated by heavy continuous rains from May 21-24 resulting in severe flooding throughout the island, with much of the damage along the border between the two nations. The rains caused rivers to overflow their banks destroying roads, houses and schools, and in some cases sweeping away entire villages. Thousands of hectares of recently planted farmland have also been destroyed; cattle and other livestock on which local farming families depend also have been washed away. Nearly 2,000 people are feared dead and hundreds more are injured or missing, but that number may rise as assessment teams are able to reach many of the remote villages which remain inaccessible at this time. Thousands more have lost family members, their homes, and their livelihoods. In many areas, particularly around the town of Fond Verrettes in Haiti, the flood waters have cut off access to affected communities, and the only way relief supplies can reach people in need is via helicopter.

Catholic Relief Services Responds:

CRS is working closely with local Caritas and church partners to respond to the needs of the victims and has provided $20,000 for the immediate purchase of locally available relief items including food, potable water, clothing, medicine, and shelter. In addition, CRS has received $40,000 from the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance for emergency non-food relief items to be distributed in parts of Haiti. Andrew Rosauer, CRS Country Representative in the Dominican Republic, says, "The needs right now are great, and we are working to meet them. But beyond the immediate necessities, we are looking at what the longer terms needs for the people are. The people most affected by this disaster were already among the most vulnerable. Our staff is conducting assessments to determine ways to replace not just lost items but lost livelihoods." With so many areas still inaccessible it is going to take time to assess the full magnitude of this disaster and to determine the full extent of relief and rehabilitation needed.

Action Needed:

To enable CRS to respond effectively, CRS is seeking cash donations that will be used both to provide immediate relief but also to assist with long term reconstruction and rehabilitation. Encourage people in your diocese to make a donation. Please ensure the checks are clearly marked ("Dominican Republic-Haiti Flood") and send contributions to CRS.

Contributions collected at the diocesan level can be sent to:
Catholic Relief Services
P.O. Box 17220
Baltimore, MD 21298-9663

Parishes and individuals can send contributions directly to CRS at:
Catholic Relief Services
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, MD 21203-7090

Continue to keep all people affected by this situation in your prayers.

Thank you for your support and assistance in helping us to respond to the devastating effects of this disaster on our brothers and sisters in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

For more information, please contact Michelle Harrington at 410-951-7391 or at this email: mharring@catholicrelief.org.