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USAID is deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to lead the U.S. government’s response efforts.
This elite team, comprising disaster experts from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, is assessing the damage, identifying priority needs, and coordinating with humanitarian partners. The DART is also coordinating with the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, as well as other U.S. agencies in the region.
In addition to mobilizing the DART, USAID staff based in the region and Washington, D.C. are monitoring the situation closely, as well as any potential impacts from Tropical Storm Grace which is approaching Haiti.
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Last updated: September 08, 2021
It is with great sadness that on behalf of the USAID family I relay the passing of Tresja Denysenko, a tireless disaster response expert with our Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. Tresja passed away unexpectedly on August 19, 2021, while serving on USAID’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) responding to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to Tresja’s family, friends, and colleagues.
At the direction of President Biden, the United States Government rapidly mobilized to assist the Government of Haiti and the Haitian people after Saturday’s devastating earthquake. Hours after the earthquake struck, the President authorized an immediate U.S. response. The same day, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power, the President’s designated senior U.S. official coordinating international response efforts, announced the deployment of a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to Haiti. The U.S. Government is coordinating efforts across Departments and Agencies and with international partners and organizations to respond quickly to needs in Haiti.
The August 14 earthquake results in at least 1,941 deaths and 9,900 injuries as of August 17, according to the GoH. DART USAR personnel and disaster experts conduct assessments and engage departmental EOCs in Grand’Anse and Sud. Earthquake-affected populations urgently require health assistance in Grand’Anse, Nippes, and Sud, where the earthquake damaged or destroyed at least 24 health facilities. Humanitarian convoys—including trucks carrying USAID/BHA-funded assistance—depart Port-au-Prince for Les Cayes
At the direction of President Biden, the United States Government rapidly mobilized to assist the government of Haiti and the Haitian people after Saturday's devastating earthquake. Hours after the earthquake struck, the President authorized an immediate U.S. response. The same day, USAID Administrator, Samantha Power, the President's designated senior U.S. official coordinating the response effort, announced the deployment of a USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team or DART. U.S. Government is coordinating efforts across departments and agencies to respond quickly to needs in Haiti. The DART is now on the ground, working to urgently assess needs and deliver lifesaving assistance, and our partners are distributing life-saving food and relief supplies in affected areas already.
The August 14 earthquake results in at least 1,419 deaths, injures more than 6,900 people, and damages or destroys an estimated 83,300 houses as of August 16, according to the GoH and UN. DART USAR personnel and disaster experts arrive in Sud via USCG helicopter to begin assessment and response operations, determining no rescues are needed in assessed areas.
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