SITUATION
On 3 October 2024, an armed group attacked the Pont Sondé area in the Bocozelle communal section, located in Saint-Marc commune of Bas Artibonite. Latest reports indicate at least 70 people have been killed and 357 injured. The attacks have displaced an estimated 6,270 people, or 1,281 households. As displacement continues, 88 per cent of those affected have sought refuge with relatives or other host families in the communes of La Chapelle, Montrouis, Petite Rivière de l'Artibonite and Saint-Marc. Others have gathered at three different sites.
RESPONSE
Humanitarian partners have quickly mobilized to support local authorities and provide the necessary assistance.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is working with the Directorate General of Civil Protection (DGPC) to identify internally displaced peoples (IDPs) not accommodated in formal IDP sites and arrange temporary shelters in Saint-Marc. IOM is also ready to distribute shelter kits, kitchen kits, and non-food item (NFI) kits.
Thanks to pre-positioned stocks in the department, UNICEF is supporting local health facilities to treat the injured. In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) in Artibonite, UNICEF has provided hygiene kits and medical supplies.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is preparing to swiftly distribute dry rations or hot meals to displaced people.
UNFPA, after consulting with the Ministry of Women and Women's Rights (MCFDF), is sending 1,880 dignity kits and essential medicines to St. Nicholas Hospital in St. Mark's by 7 October. The delivery will also include maternal and reproductive health medicines, including childbirth kits, supplies for caesarean sections and post-rape kits.
The World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO), in coordination with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the MCFDF, is organizing a shipment of 1.3 tons of medical supplies and equipment for the management of 50 surgical procedures and to treat 1,000 injured people. The UN Humanitarian Flight Service (UNHAS) will deliver the supplies quickly to the St. Nicholas Hospital in Saint Mark.
UN Women has transferred US$120 to each of the 150 displaced households.
Disclaimer
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
- To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.