Haiti was struck by a major earthquake on 12 January 2010, causing death and destruction of epic proportions. The magnitude 7.3 quake killed 230,000 people and destroyed much of the housing and infrastructure in the capital Port-au-Prince.

Responding immediately, a team of more than 20 international staff from Latin America, Africa, Oceania and Europe arrived in Port-au-Prince within 72 hours of the earthquake to provide whatever help was needed and demonstrate their solidarity with Caritas Haiti and the local Church.Working to complement the efforts of Caritas Haiti and Catholic Relief Service (CRS) staff who served in Haiti before the earthquake, all worked quickly to agree the immediate response which was launched to the confederation within nine days of the earthquake.

This Flash Appeal for €30,861,220 was aimed at addressing the immediate food, water, sanitation, health, non-food item and psychosocial needs of 200,000 people. The expression of solidarity and compassion from the confederation was enormous. Very quickly 63 members contributed some $31 million (€22.6 million) for the Caritas response. In the first six months after the earthquake, Caritas members delivered €37.4 million of aid to more than 2.3 million people.

Caritas launched a one-year programme beginning in May 2010, investing $217 million in reconstruction of homes, schools, healthcare facilities and communities. Activities such as building and repairing houses and ensuring earthquake-resistant construction make up almost a third of the budget.

Eleven Caritas members are on the ground working alongside Caritas Haiti on a reconstruction programme with over 60 Caritas members supporting the work. All the members in Haiti actively participate in the Caritas Coordination Committee to improve the coordination, coherence, synergy and profile of our work.