“When the earthquake struck, I had no concept what it was as I had by no means skilled one thing so loud and dramatic earlier than. I assumed it was an act of God and I used to be terrified.
My entire home was shaking so I rushed exterior with my daughter to see what was happening, and I noticed it was a tremor from beneath the earth. Then a part of my home collapsed, and huge cracks appeared in its cinder block partitions.
The group got here collectively
We had been fortunate, as a result of no-one in my household was injured, however I knew many neighbours who died. The group, which is rural and made up of farmers and other people shopping for and promoting items, got here collectively and we helped one another. We saved many youngsters by digging them from beneath the rubble.
I feel the earthquake made us stronger as a group and that helped us after we moved into this momentary camp in Devirel on the sting of the town of Les Cayes, simply 5 days after we fled from our dwelling.
Life right here may be very powerful. We stay, in twos and threes, in small shelters created from plastic sheeting. It’s sizzling as a result of there are not any bushes right here and when it rains it is rather muddy. There’s not a lot to eat, however we proceed to take care of one another and share the small quantity of meals that we have now.
UN assist
After we arrived, we obtained numerous assist from the United Nations*. We obtained a hygiene equipment and had been in a position to make use of a toilet which had been constructed for us. I obtained some money funds so I might afford to hold on sending my daughter to highschool and at one level she obtained free college meals.
My aunt additionally obtained some monetary help as she is disabled and significantly weak. I’m very grateful for this assist.
Typically, I can earn cash by serving to to reap a neighbour’s crops, nevertheless it’s tough to search out work, so I’ve to stay on little or no. It’s tough to vary one’s life in case you don’t have the monetary means to take action. I wish to return to my dwelling with my daughter, however I’m too scared to do this earlier than I restore it. So, I’ll attempt to avoid wasting cash to make the repairs.
One 12 months after the earthquake, I’m nonetheless optimistic for the long run; I do know I can depend on myself and my group for a greater life.”
*A variety of UN companies supplied assist to Plaisimond Milaure and her neighbours, together with money transfers for weak and disabled individuals in addition to to assist the education of youngsters (Worldwide Group for Migration, IOM) hygiene kits (IOM and UNFPA) rest room amenities (UNICEF) and faculty meals, World Meals Programme, WFP. The United Nations Workplace for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordinated the UN’s post-earthquake response.
