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Haiti

Episcopal Relief & Development responds to hurricanes in Haiti

Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, has been devastated by three deadly storms, Fay, Gustav and Hanna within the past month. Hurricane Fay was responsible for 10 deaths and considerable damage to the agricultural sector. Hurricane Gustav left at least 76 people dead, thousands displaced and destroyed homes, crops and livestock. More than 70,000 people have sought shelter from Gustav in recent days.

In the past day, Tropical Storm Hanna has inundated Haiti. The city of Gonaives, the third largest in the country, is largely under water. The death toll from the storm has already reached 136 and officials fear that this number could increase.

Hanna's arrival on the heels of Gustav and Fay has severely hindered recovery efforts. Hundreds of thousands of people are completely stranded without shelter, food or clean water. With two other storms, Hurricane Ike and Tropical Storm Josephine, heading towards Haiti, more destruction is feared.

Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti to assist over 1,000 people affected by Hurricane Gustav who are living in shelters in three communities in the South; Jeannette, Petit Trou de Nippes and Leogane. Father Frantz Cole, the Development Officer for the diocese, is on site and coordinating with development agents and local churches to deliver food, water, medical supplies, clothing and seeds to help replant crops.

Father Cole is also assessing needs for those affected by Tropical Storm Hanna and helping communities prepare for Hurricanes Ike and Tropical Storm Josephine which are expected to hit Haiti early next week.

Episcopal Relief & Development has contacted other affected dioceses, including the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica and staff expect to receive multiple requests for emergency support in the coming days.

"The situation in Haiti is dire," said Matthew St. John, Program Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean at Episcopal Relief & Development. "Thanks to our partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, we are able to deliver life-saving aid quickly and effectively. Our prayers are with all of those whose lives have been upended by these disasters."

To support people in Haiti impacted by hurricanes, please make a donation to Episcopal Relief & Development's "Hurricane Relief Fund" online at www.er-d.org , or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development "Hurricane Relief Fund" P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.