Aug 26, 2021 - World

U.S. pledges $32 million in aid to Haiti earthquake victims

Picture of a collapsed building in Haiti

People gather near collapsed houses on Aug, 20 in Les Cayes, Haiti. Photo: Ministry of Defense Crown Copyright via Getty Images

The U.S. Agency for International Development on Thursday announced it will give $32 million in humanitarian assistance to Haiti following the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck on Aug. 14.

State of play: USAID administrator Samantha Power said the aid will support those affected by the earthquake, per the Miami Herald. The organization said in a press release it will also help humanitarian partners deliver "urgently needed aid" such as health care services, food and water.

  • The U.S. previously donated food and relief supplies, as well as sent in military assistance and disaster assistance response teams.

By the numbers: The earthquake killed more than 2,200 people and left another 12,000 people injured.

What they're saying: "This funding announcement will support humanitarian partners delivering urgently-needed aid, including health care services, emergency shelter and food, safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation assistance, and protection services, including gender-based violence prevention and response, child protection, and psychosocial support services in hard-hit areas of southwestern Haiti," the USAID said in a press release.

  • "The United States remains committed to supporting the Government of Haiti’s response to this devastating disaster and continues to work urgently to deliver aid to the Haitian people during their time of need."

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