Earthquake impacts Les Cayes and Île-à-Vache

Damages on Île-à-Vache

On August 14th, a major 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck southern Haiti, near the port city of Les Cayes on the southern coast. Major damages in the area have already been reported, with hundreds of lives lost and many more people missing or injured. Les Cayes is the primary point of contact to the mainland for the people of Île-à-Vache, which is just across the strait from the city.

Unfortunately, the community we support on Île-à-Vache has also suffered damages. We are glad to report that there has been no damage to the GSF school on the island, but sadly several of the children in our school have been orphaned by the loss of life in Les Cayes, where many islanders live, work, and do business.

Haiti in the last few years has “lurched from crisis to crisis,” from the recent passing of Hurricane Elsa, the assassination of the sitting president only one month ago, near-continuous civil unrest and violence causing logistical disruptions on transport routes, a devaluation of the local currency, and of course the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously to that, this area of Haiti was recovering from Hurricane Matthew in 2016, not to mention the devastating earthquake of 2010.

Damages on Île-à-Vache

In short, Haitians have suffered through a long series of difficulties through no fault of their own. On Île-à-Vache and in the communities where GSF works, we have endeavored to help provide education, meet basic needs, and provide a foundation for hope and success for local people, in spite of everything. Now, in response to this tragic earthquake, GSF has initiated a response fundraiser with a goal of $10,000 to continue to provide the long-term assistance that we offer to our communities. Donations can also be made directly using our website. Please give whatever amount is possible for you, as any contribution will make a difference to a person’s life. We thank you, as always, for your support, now more than ever, and hope for a respite for Haiti soon.