Haiti After Hurricane Matthew: Photos
The storm is over, but rebuilding is just beginning.
Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti hard. With heavy rains and winds that reached up to 145mph, the storm ripped roofs from homes, uprooted trees, destroyed bridges, and caused widespread flooding. These photos, taken by volunteers, staff, and local photographers, capture not only the physical damage caused by the storm, but also the faces of some of the people who have lost everything because of it. Let’s remember that while the storm has ended, the damage left in its wake will take years to repair. For those who lost loved ones, grief will follow them throughout their lives.
The storm
Ominous skies just before the storm.
A key bridge destroyed, making access difficult.
Trees uprooted.
Families, homes, and lives uprooted
Milien and what is left of his home.
Milien lived with his wife and 3 children in this home before the storm.
Emene, her husband Florvil, and their family in front of remnants of their home.
Dipe with what he has left.
An uprooted tree next to Dipe’s home.
Benito and his family’s home reduced to a pile of grass.
Bazile Marie with her family.
Young Filicia and Clevens with their parents.
Vilieme with her youngest son.
Grandma Delaine in front of her mud home that was destroyed by rains and winds.
Moise and one of her children.
This home had housed three families.
View of their home from above.
A truck swept away by rising waters.
Challenges getting help where it is needed
This truck got stuck attempting to cross the river.
Residents in the surrounding community gather around the truck.
Another view of challenges getting aid where it is needed.
A long wait to cross with the loss of a critical bridge.
Relief efforts
CMMB staff and volunteers preparing essential supplies for those impacted by the hurricane.
Preparing bags of rice.
Bags of aid getting ready to be delivered.
Loading the truck with household kits: each kit has water purification tablets, food, and hygiene & household products.
Another truck filled with essential supplies.
The line up of people waiting to receive essential food, water purification tablets and other necessities.
Dr. Dianne Jean-Francois, CMMB’s Country Director in Haiti, hands out much-needed supplies to individuals impacted by Hurricane Matthew.
CMMB volunteers Brittany and Robin have not stopped helping since the hurricane hit. Here they are giving out the lifesaving supplies.
A thankful resident of Côtes-de-fer.
Residents with a CMMB volunteer and staff take a moment to say thank you for the help.
The storm may have ended, but the rebuilding of lives is just beginning. Learn more about how you can help or consider volunteering!
Photographs by: Sebastian Narcisse and from volunteers Brittany Jonap and Robin Maddox.