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What is happening in Haiti? Here's what to know.

In recent days, Haiti has descended into a critical state of violence and chaos. Since February 7, 2024, a surge of frequent demonstrations exploded demanding the departure of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The situation escalated dramatically in the past few days as gang groups  intensified assaults, exacerbating turmoil across the country.

»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵhas a long history of responding to conflicts and natural disasters, including the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Today, amid challenging conditions, we are responding quickly to help children and families who may be forced to flee armed conflict, become separated from their families, or are at risk of abuse.

»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵis a charity you can trust. Read more about our nonprofit ratings and how we use your donation so you can give with confidence that you're helping children in times of crisis. 

Here's What You Need to Know About the 2021 Haiti Earthquake

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck western Haiti on Saturday, August 14, 2021, causing serious casualties and damage to schools, buildings, roads and bridges. Learn more about our response and what's happening right now.

Is »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵresponding to the 2021 Haiti earthquake?

Yes. »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵis working to help cover basic needs of the most severely affected children and families. As thousands of homes have been destroyed, far more supplies are needed.

After initial safety challenges, our teams worked non-stop to find new ways to get basic supplies to those most in need. Aid workers have delivered supplies to families, including: jerry cans, buckets, sanitary pads, mosquito nets, tarpaulin, masks and hand sanitizer.

We are scaling up our response and aiming to provide cash assistance to the hardest hit families, child protection, education spaces for children, health and nutrition and psychosocial support.

What kind of damage did the 2021 Haiti earthquake cause?

While it will take days to assess the full scale of the damage, it is clear that this is a massive humanitarian emergency.

Current estimates are that over 1,900 people have been killed and almost 10,000 injured. Homes, schools, and roads have been destroyed and damaged.

Even before the quake, an estimated 160,000 people in Les Cayes were already struggling to get enough food every day, with almost 40,000 people on the verge of famine.

What do children and families impacted by the earthquake need?

Children living on the streets of the hard-hit area of Les Cayes are in dire need of food, water and shelter.

Our team in the impacted area are telling us that thousands of children and their families are sleeping outside, as their homes have been destroyed or they fear aftershocks. This leaves them at a risk of violence or abuse, so one of the most urgent needs is safe shelters such as tents.

How long has »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵworked in Haiti?

»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵhas worked in Haiti since 1978, providing nutrition, early learning, and water and sanitation programs.

Save the Children's Response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake

As night fell on January 12, 2010, »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵinitiated the largest relief and recovery effort in our history in the Western Hemisphere.

Haiti presented—and still presents—a challenging environment for »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵand others addressing the needs of those who were impacted by the earthquake. We recognize that there has been criticism directed toward the international aid community periodically since the disaster. We constantly monitor our programs to ensure that they provide the maximum benefit possible to children and families, and that our donors’ funding has been spent well, and has resulted in positive changes.

We are proud of what we have accomplished and extend our thanks to every donor who has supported this work. We are prepared to sustain our commitment to Haitian children and their families through the end of our multi-year strategy and then beyond.

Backed by the generosity of our donors, we have reached over 1 million Haitian children and adults through earthquake relief and recovery programs. We have sheltered families; provided access to lifesaving health and water and sanitary services; have helped protect children from exploitation; and have helped re-open schools and make them better able to withstand disasters.

What can I do to help children impacted by conflict and crises? 

As »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵis helping meet the urgent needs of children and families, your donation to the Children's Emergency Fund can support our humanitarian efforts in Haiti and around the world.