For Immediate Release

For Immediate Release

9/10/08

Episcopal Relief & Development Continues to Respond to Storms in Haiti

On September 1, only days after the poorest country in the western hemisphere had been slammed by Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gustav, Tropical Storm Hanna blew through Haiti causing even more death and destruction. While most of Haiti was hit, the three most affected regions are Gonaives, the Department of South-East and the Department of Nippes.

Already, the triple storm combination has claimed the lives of 500 people in Gonaives alone. Officials fear that the death toll will continue to rise. In flooded Gonaives over 250,000 are without shelter, food and water. Across the country there are 800,000 people, roughly 10 percent of the population, in severe need of aid.

Hurricane Ike has caused more rain in the region today. Haiti’s deforested mountainsides prevent no resistance to mudslides and flooding, increasing the degree of destruction. From the north to the south of the country bridges, roads and houses have been washed away, trees uprooted and crops decimated. The situation is dire.

In response to Hurricane Gustav, Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Diocese of Haiti’s Development Office to deliver aid to more than 1,000 people in the southern part of the country. In addition, Episcopal Relief & Development is providing assistance in the northern part of Haiti to affected populations in response to Hanna and Ike. Development Office staff are on site in the affected areas networking with local priests to distribute food, medical supplies, clothing and seeds for planting.

“The situation in Haiti is devastating,” says Matthew St. John, Program Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean at Episcopal Relief & Development.

“We are seeking additional funds to prevent a humanitarian crisis from occurring in the country,” continued St. John. “Please hold the people of Haiti in your prayers.”

Episcopal Relief & Development continues to monitor the needs in other hard-hit countries in the Caribbean as well.

To support people in Haiti impacted by hurricanes, please make a donation to Episcopal Relief & Development’s “Hurricane Relief Fund” online at www.er-d.org , or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development “Hurricane Relief Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. As an independent 501(c) (3) organization, Episcopal Relief & Development takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.

For Immediate Release Contact: Chantal Lawrence

9/05/08 (800) 334-7626, ext. 6311

Episcopal Relief & Development Responds to Hurricanes in Haiti

Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, has been devastated by three deadly storms, Fay, Gustav and Hanna within the past month. Hurricane Fay was responsible for 10 deaths and considerable damage to the agricultural sector. Hurricane Gustav left at least 76 people dead, thousands displaced and destroyed homes, crops and livestock. More than 70,000 people have sought shelter from Gustav in recent days.

In the past day, Tropical Storm Hanna has inundated Haiti. The city of Gonaives, the third largest in the country, is largely under water. The death toll from the storm has already reached 136 and officials fear that this number could increase.

Hanna’s arrival on the heels of Gustav and Fay has severely hindered recovery efforts. Hundreds of thousands of people are completely stranded without shelter, food or clean water. With two other storms, Hurricane Ike and Tropical Storm Josephine, heading towards Haiti, more destruction is feared.

Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti to assist over 1,000 people affected by Hurricane Gustav who are living in shelters in three communities in the South; Jeannette, Petit Trou de Nippes and Leogane. Father Frantz Cole, the Development Officer for the diocese, is on site and coordinating with development agents and local churches to deliver food, water, medical supplies, clothing and seeds to help replant crops.

Father Cole is also assessing needs for those affected by Tropical Storm Hanna and helping communities prepare for Hurricanes Ike and Tropical Storm Josephine which are expected to hit Haiti early next week.

Episcopal Relief & Development has contacted other affected dioceses, including the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica and staff expect to receive multiple requests for emergency support in the coming days.

“The situation in Haiti is dire,” said Matthew St. John, Program Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean at Episcopal Relief & Development. “Thanks to our partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, we are able to deliver life-saving aid quickly and effectively. Our prayers are with all of those whose lives have been upended by these disasters.”