Six months have passed since Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake that killed more than 230,000 people and made an estimated 1 million homeless.

The quake, with a magnitude of 7.0, caused major damage when it hit on January 12, but the response of numerous countries and organisations has been significant. Six months on, there still remains much to do, but notable changes can be seen and people in Haiti are finding new hope.

In the UK, charities such as Tearfund and World Vision - partners of the Evangelical Alliance - have contributed to the progress made on the Caribbean island.

Tearfund is continually impacting and helping the nation of Haiti on the way to recovery by donating money, providing clean water and offering practical assistance.
In the past six months, six million pounds were raised by the organisation. Through the donations, 75 schools were re-opened and houses offering shelter to those who lost their homes were built. In addition, local volunteers in Haiti were able to financially support individual victims of the earthquake through the contributed money.

Together with other aid agencies, World Vision has managed to repair many Haitian's lives. The humanitarian aid charity distributed food to almost 2 million people and helped re-establish hundreds of households. Through a family tracing and reunification unit, more than 760 children were registered and many were successfully united with their families.

Haiti Hospital Appeal, a UK organisation affiliated with the Evangelical Alliance is currently based in Port-au-Prince and committed to long-term reconstruction of the nation. Thanks to many supporters, they were able to contribute £250,000 towards relief effort and now run a hospital that takes care of the injured and those who suffer from lasting health consequences. With their "We won't forget"-campaign, they are trying to raise awareness now that the media is moving its focus from Haiti.     

To this day, the situation in the country remains fragile and locals are still suffering from the earthquake's aftermath. Countless families live in fear of another catastrophe as the annual hurricane season is approaching.

Mark Bulpitt, Head of Humanitarian Emergencies of World Vision's UK branch, explains that "the emergency response is still very much in the early phases." However, he points out that "progress has been made and above all, we remain committed to help Haitians build back better now and in the long term."

News links

BBC: Quake-stricken Haiti bears scars six months on

Guardian: Haiti earthquake: six months on

Telegraph: Haiti still suffering six months on from earthquake

The Independent: The Haiti earthquake six months on

Times: Where is the help that was pledged to Haiti?

Mirror: Haiti six months on: The quake miracles