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Minister Brophy announces €500,000 for response to Haiti earthquake

The Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, has announced €500,000 in funding to respond to last Saturday’s earthquake in Haiti.

The funding will support the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and other Irish NGOs to provide humanitarian support, including first aid, emergency health care, food, water and shelter, to people affected by the earthquake.

 Minister Brophy said:

“Saturday’s earthquake is just the latest humanitarian crisis to hit the people of Haiti. As ever, Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of Haiti and offers a hand of friendship in response to this latest crisis.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives. With heavy storms forecast for the coming days, it is clear that a significant international response will be needed to help people who have lost homes and businesses. These funds will provide vital aid to help people through the difficult days ahead.”

At least 1,300 people were killed during last Saturday’s 7.2 magnitude quake. 83,000 homes are reported to have been either destroyed or severely damaged.

The tremor, which struck the south of the country, was even more powerful than the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the capital city Port-au-Prince in 2010, killing more than 200,000 people. Relief efforts are to be complicated by the impact of tropical storm Grace, which is due to make landfall early this week.

A member of the Irish Rapid Response Corps has deployed to Haiti with the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Co-ordination (UNDAC). UNDAC’s role is to assist the United Nations and governments of disaster-affected countries during the first phase of a sudden-onset emergency

Ireland has been a consistent supporter of Haiti in the provision of humanitarian, reconstruction and development assistance since the 2010 earthquake. Ireland has provided over €30.5m in humanitarian and longer-term funding to Haiti in the period 2010-2020.

Ireland contributes to global funds and core funding to key international and United Nations agencies that allocate funding to Haiti, including the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). CERF has announced $8 million in response to the Haitian earthquake. Ireland is the 9th largest contributor to CERF.

Ireland also responds to humanitarian needs through the EU. The EU has announced €3 million in humanitarian funding in response to the earthquake.

ENDS

Press Office

17 August 2021

 

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