The terrible earthquake which struck Haiti at 16:53 local time on January 12th 2010 destroyed a large part of the capital Port-au-Prince and brought death and injury to thousands of men, women and children. The Salesians in the city were very badly affected by the disaster but are fully involved in the relief effort, with the support and prayers of the Salesian Family throughout the world.

In the earthquake all the Salesian works were damaged or destroyed, including the Ecole Nationale des Arts et Métiers (ENAM) where several hundred children died with some of their teachers. A Salesian brother and two Salesian students were also killed.

Early in November 2010 Haiti was hit by hurricane Tomas which caused flooding and the death of at least 20 people along with the loss of more animals and homes.

In addition a Salesian Information Agency report dated 15/11/10 states that according to the latest official information the cholera epidemic which broke out on 20 October 2010 has so far caused over 900 deaths with  10,000 cases of infection.

There are about 60 Salesians working in or around the capital and they are working all out, especially for those most in need in the poorer districts, to combat the epidemic and encourage the practice of the norms of hygiene.