“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 believed it was an act of God and I used to be terrified.
My complete home was shaking so I rushed outdoors with my daughter to see what was happening, and I spotted it was a tremor from beneath the earth. Then a part of my home collapsed, and enormous 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 folks shopping for and promoting items, got here collectively and we helped one another. We saved many kids 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 non permanent camp in Devirel on the sting of the town of Les Cayes, simply 5 days after we fled from our house.
Life right here could be very powerful. We stay, in twos and threes, in small shelters constituted of plastic sheeting. It’s scorching 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 now we have.
UN assist
After we arrived, we acquired loads of assist from the United Nations*. We acquired a hygiene equipment and had been ready to make use of a toilet which had been constructed for us. I acquired some money funds so I might afford to hold on sending my daughter to highschool and at one level she acquired free college meals.
My aunt additionally acquired some monetary help as she is disabled and notably susceptible. I’m very grateful for this assist.
Generally, I can earn cash by serving to to reap a neighbour’s crops, nevertheless it’s troublesome to seek out work, so I’ve to stay on little or no. It’s troublesome to alter one’s life in the event you don’t have the monetary means to take action. I want to return to my house with my daughter, however I’m too scared to try this earlier than I restore it. So, I’ll attempt to avoid wasting cash to make the repairs.
One yr 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 offered assist to Plaisimond Milaure and her neighbours, together with money transfers for susceptible and disabled individuals in addition to to assist the education of children (Worldwide Group for Migration, IOM) hygiene kits (IOM and UNFPA) lavatory 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.
