On October 4, 2016, Hurricane Matthew struck the coast of Haiti, a country still recovering from the catastrophic earthquake of 2010. The hurricane caused widespread destruction, particularly along the southwestern tip, leaving countless homes and communities in ruins. The United Nations reported that at least 1.4 million people needed emergency aid, presenting Haiti with its most severe humanitarian crisis since the earthquake six years prior. The situation was further exacerbated by the risk of cholera outbreaks due to potential contamination of drinking water.

Picture courtesy: CNN.org

In response to this disaster, the UNITED SIKHS volunteer team in Haiti delivered emergency relief materials, including clean drinking water, to prevent a surge in cholera cases among the survivors. The team recognized the urgent need to address both the immediate humanitarian needs and the potential public health crisis.

UNITED SIKHS deployed their Emergency Response Team to Haiti, where they began distributing emergency survival kits that included food, water, and blankets. In addition, the team collaborated with the UN Clusters to establish temporary shelters and ensure security for the affected populations. Drawing on their experience from the 2010 Haiti earthquake, where they provided medical assistance, food, and temporary shelters, the team worked tirelessly to reach the hardest-hit areas, despite the logistical challenges.

The swift and coordinated efforts of the UNITED SIKHS Emergency Response Team helped mitigate the immediate impact of Hurricane Matthew on the affected communities. By providing clean water and emergency supplies, the team played a crucial role in preventing a potential cholera outbreak and alleviating the suffering of thousands of Haitians. The ongoing distribution of essential resources and collaboration with international partners highlighted the importance of a unified and massive response to the crisis, reinforcing our commitment to humanitarian aid in times of need.