Haiti Earthquake - Oxfam Quebec WASH Response 2010

On January 12 2010 a massive earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale rocked Port-au-Prince the capital of the impoverished Caribbean nation of Haiti. It is estimated that up to 3 000 000 people have been affected by the disaster and require humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs. CIDA’s contribution is supporting Oxfam Quebec’s efforts to meet the emergency needs of an 70 000 people affected by the earthquake in Port-au-Prince Jacmel and Léogane Haiti. Project activities include the provision of basic water and sanitation facilities and the distribution of non-food items such as blankets soap and mosquito nets. Oxfam Quebec is also undertaking cash-for-work activities through which people are paid to clear debris and garbage resulting from the earthquake in Haiti. By participating in cash-for-work vulnerable individuals obtain a small income that can be used to purchase essential household supplies.