This week, we had a surf guide to the Outer Banks planned for our blog. It’s a great one. But, in light of Hurricane Matthew, the major hurricane that caused extreme damage from Haiti up to North Carolina, we want to focus on how we can help the communities affected.
Devastation in Jérémie. The cities of Les Cayes and Jérémie received the full force sustaining wind and water damage across wide areas
Photograph: Xinhua/Barcroft Images
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Matthew, in Haiti, Cuba, the Bahamas, and in the US – Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The devastation is incredible, and every area will be recovering for a long while. What you may not know if you haven’t been through a natural disaster (as we did at MI OLA with Hurricane Sandy in Breezy Point, NY) is that the initial disaster is devastating. But, the effects of the disaster event are made even worse by the lack of resources and infrastructure afterwards.
For instance, estimates suggest that 900+ people have died in Haiti due to Hurricane Matthew. Entire villages were wiped out. And now, Haiti is dealing with a massive Cholera outbreak and there is a lack of clean water and adequate antibiotics available for those affected by the storm.
Damaged houses in Jérémie
Photograph: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters
The US was not spared by the Hurricane. 30 lives were claimed and the flooding has not yet subsided in many places. Millions of people are displaced without water, electricity or heat, and they may be displaced for months, or even years. (Hurricane Sandy was almost 4 years ago, and some homes destroyed have still not been rebuilt.) This is scary, life-changing stuff. People have lost their homes, businesses, and belongings, and are seeking safety, shelter, food, and water with babies, pets, and entire families in tow.
Outside Surfin Spoon in OBX at MM 10.5, the day after the storm. PHOTO: Matt Lusk
OBX South of milepost 4. PHOTO: Matt Lusk
An aerial view shows floodwaters after Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton. Photograph: Chris Keane/Reuters
If you can, please help.
How? Consider donating to an organization with proven results. Check out our list below:
Project Medishare for Haiti
Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis
Team Rubicon
Doctors without Borders
United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)
Food for the Poor
Leaving the Red Cross off this list was a conscious decision. Due to their failures in Haiti after the earthquake and during Hurricane Sandy in the US, we don’t recommend donating funds to this organization. Instead, focus on the others above, where you know your money will be used to help people and not just pay a CEO’s salary.