Haiti earthquake: Three years on

On 12 January 2010, a huge earthquake struck Haiti in the Caribbean. Thousands of people were affected.

Pierre-Manise was trapped under rubble for two days. “It took two days for anyone to even know we were there. I was crying out for help but no one heard me.”

Her little sister Linouze was also trapped under the rubble. “There were little air holes for us to breathe. The hope we might get rescued kept me going.”

Today, CAFOD is training Pierre-Manise and other pupils at her school on what to do if there is another earthquake.

“The evacuation practice means I will know what to do and I will be saved next time.”

The earthquake destroyed homes. It also destroyed water systems and left people without clean water.

This meant that diseases spread more easily.

CAFOD is teaching children about good hygiene that stops diseases from spreading.

Puppets are used to explain the link between dirty water and disease.

Bazil: “I have been sick and I think it was because of bad water. Now I understand I must wash my hands and drink clean water.

Children often find it hard to talk about what happened to them. CAFOD is helping them to use puppets to talk about their feelings.

Today, children in Haiti look forward to a brighter future.

People who lost their homes have been able to build new houses with support from CAFOD partners.

Celina Traesil says: “I’m very happy to have a new house. I’d never have been able to manage this on my own.”

Casimir Jean Harrison says: “I am so happy with my new house. I keep thanking God. It is like a miracle.”

Loving God, Bless our sisters and brothers in Haiti. Give them courage in the many challenges they still face. We pray for the work of CAFOD and for all those working with the people of Haiti to rebuild their lives. Amen