More than 60 people died in Haiti after a fuel tank overturned and exploded on Tuesday 14 December in the northern area of Cap Haitian. The fuel tanker had only overturned at first, however people in the local community began collecting the fuel as there is currently a national fuel shortage in Haiti causing all manner of problems. It is affecting the availability of potable water from petrol powered water pumps. Tragically, the explosion happened soon after, killing and injuring scores of local residents. The explosion has also damaged local houses and shops.

 Local hospitals and clinics are already overstretched and do not have the resources to treat the burns victims. The Haiti District of the MCCA has two Methodist clinics in Cap Haitian, with medical personnel that can treat burns victims.  In response to the explosion the District responded using funds dispersed from the World Mission Fund of £9,650.

 This is the report from David Draeger, the EMH Mission Volunteer Coordinator, received this week:

Thank you so much for your continued support of Eglise Methodiste d’ Haiti and the people of Haiti. Your quick response to the tragedy of the fire in Cap Haitien allowed the Methodist Church of Haiti to respond in a timely manner to the people of Cap Hatien. They are eternally grateful to you for holding them up in their time of need.

As a result of your generosity, 603 persons were given much needed medical attention. The aid took the form of medicine, meals to the patients, transportation, doctors and nurses.

May God continue to bless you in your work.  

Please keep the survivors, families of those who have died and the work of the Haiti District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and Americas in your prayers.

Through World Mission Partnership, Irish Methodists make an annual contribution to the World Mission Fund.