Disaster in a Crisis Zone: Understanding the Impact of Haiti's Earthquake

An M7.2 earthquake struck southwest Haiti on Aug. 14, leaving hundreds dead and causing widespread devastation, and Tropical Storm Grace is expected to pass over Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, bringing heavy rains and strong winds.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) hosted a webinar, co-sponsored by Giving Compass and Council on Foundations, to look at the impact of the earthquake and tropical storm. Speakers shared the latest information, including critical needs and gaps, and provide concrete takeaways for funders to effectively support relief and recovery efforts now underway.

Even prior to this latest disaster, Haiti was a country in crisis. It still hasn’t recovered (economically, socially, culturally, etc.) from the January 2010 earthquake that devastated the capital and killed approximately 200,000 people. Eleven years later, 33,000 people live in displacement camps and an additional 300,000 live in informal settlements. An additional 140,000 are still displaced from 2016’s Hurricane Matthew. The COVID-19 pandemic – only 366 people are fully vaccinated – and last month’s assassination of President Jovenel Moïse have further destabilized the country.

During the webinar, we examined the 2021 earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace in the context of the existing disparities and social disruption in the country.

CDP Director of International Funds Alex Gray moderated the discussion.

Please see the slide deck and watch the webinar recording to learn more.

This webinar is hosted by