Hurricane Matthew in Haiti: testimonies of two survivors

After Haiti was hit by Hurricane Matthew on 4 October 2016, affecting thousands of people, Handicap International’s physiotherapists were called on to provide assistance to the injured. More than 240 people were given rehabilitation care by Handicap International. Carole and Lorestal, two of the hurricane’s victims, tell us about their experiences.

Rehabilitation sessions conducted by HI to a child injured by Matthew hurricane | © Handicap International

“My home was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew. I took refuge in a friend’s house, where I still live with my mother and children. My right thighbone was badly injured and I couldn’t walk. Thanks to Handicap International, I was given rehabilitation care and crutches. Now I can walk normally again,” explains Carole who lives in rural department of the South.

“My knee was injured, which already had arthritis. I find it difficult to move around now. I live in a three-metre-square tent with my wife and children. It’s an isolated region and there are no health facilities near us. Luckily I met some people from Handicap International in December and they gave me rehabilitation care. And some crutches. I’d like to sell bread to earn a small income,” tells Lorestal who lives in the town of Les Cayes, in a department of the South.

Handicap International implication in key figures

Rehabilitation and psychosocial care

More than 240 people have benefited from rehabilitation sessions
750 people took part in social cohesion sessions and more than 180 people have benefited of first aid psychological support.

Distributions of emergency kits and household items

Around 1,000 emergency kits (containing tools) and household items (solar-powered lamps, jerry cans, mosquito nets, and so on) were distributed in the department of Nippes to more than 4,700 people.

Inclusion of the most vulnerable people

Many vulnerable people have been identified by Handicap International in communities. The organisation ensures they are able to access humanitarian services (health care, rehabilitation, and so on).

Logistics platform

1 logistics platform was set up by Atlas Logistique/Handicap International in the cities of Les Cayes and Jérémie.
108 road journeys and 14 sea journeys have been made by a fleet of 40 lorries and 10 boats, to transport more than 270 tonnes of humanitarian equipment for other partners in aid of people living in remote areas.

Rubbish clearance

300 journeys by skip lorries were organised by Handicap International to clear rubbish, for a total of 2,871 available tonnes, representing 1,689 cubic metres (actual and available) over 1,495 km (municipalities of Jérémie, Anse d’Hainault, Baumont and Morron).