NEWS RELEASE: Operation USA to Aid Recovery Efforts in Haiti Following Hurricane Matthew

Los Angeles, Calif., October 3, 2016—Operation USA, a Los Angeles-based international relief agency, announced today that is assessing needs in Haiti and surrounding countries as Hurricane Matthew makes landfall. The agency is planning to deliver recovery aid as needed to affected communities, and will rely on staff members as well as long standing partners to facilitate the distribution of funds and materials.

Hurricane Matthew is currently being reported as a Category 4 storm, with experts predicting “catastrophic” damage to Haiti. Areas of Jamaica, the Bahamas, Cuba and possibly the United States will also be impacted. The storm is expected to maintain strength throughout its slow journey, bringing sustained heavy rainfall and winds up to 140 mph.

As of Monday afternoon, authorities were working rapidly to prepare for the approaching storm, bracing for floods and mudslides in several areas. In Haiti, officials closed the border, cancelled school across the country and began evacuating people from coastal areas. The Port-au-Prince airport was also closed as of Monday.

“We have close ties to the Haitian community, as we have worked in Jacmel since the major earthquake that devastated the country in 2010,” said Richard Walden, CEO, Operation USA. “We know firsthand how vulnerable these communities are, and this storm is sure to exacerbate conditions for many families who are still recovering from the earthquake and cholera epidemic. We desperately need public support at this time to be able to help Jacmel, as well as our partners in other impacted communities across Haiti, Jamaica and Cuba.”

Operation USA has worked in Haiti since 2008, and has remained committed to the community of Jacmel—where the agency rebuilt an eight-building school campus in partnership with Honeywell after the 2010 earthquake. OpUSA has also previously worked in Jamaica and Cuba. The agency will work with long-standing partners in affected communities to deliver aid quickly and efficiently in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

HOW TO HELP:
Donations to Operation USA will be allocated directly to relief and recovery efforts in Haiti.