Agencies say they’ve reached half of Haiti’s 1.3 million earthquake victims with tarps, tents
By APSunday, March 7, 2010
Agencies give shelter to half of Haiti’s homeless
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Aid agencies say they have delivered emergency shelter to half of the 1.3 million people in need following the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.
Gregg McDonald of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies calls the milestone “an achievement that should not be underestimated.”
The agencies announced the accomplishment Sunday, saying they hope to reach two-thirds of the homeless by April 1, when rains officially start.
The massive humanitarian effort has been criticized for a slow start and early rains have added to the misery of tens of thousands living in impromptu camps under bed sheets stuck on sticks.
Delivery was hampered by a destroyed port, clogged airport and blocked roads.
