U.S. Military Support to Haiti Earthquake Relief

At the request of the government of Haiti, Joint Task Force-Haiti supported U.S. foreign disaster assistance, led by the U.S. Agency for International Development Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, to aid victims of a devastating earthquake in Haiti's Southern Claw as part of a whole-of-government effort Aug. 15 - Sept. 2, 2021.

USAID Responds: Earthquake in Haiti

Final Update

  • 587,950 pounds of aid transported

  • 477 people assisted or rescued

  • 671 total missions

USAID News Release, Sept. 3: SOUTHCOM Successfully Completes Haiti Earthquake Operation

Graphic depicting updates from U.S. military support to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. Text: At the request of the government of Haiti and in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, Joint Task Force-Haiti conducted foreign disaster assistance operations Aug. 15 - Sept. 2 to aid victims of a devastating earthquake in Haiti’s Southern Claw as part of a whole-of-government effort. 19 helicopters, 6 ships and 8 transport aircraft. 671 total missions (DoD and U.S. Coast Guard). 587,950 pounds transported. 477 people assisted or rescued. Numbers reflect operations from Aug. 15 - Sept. 2, 2021.

Graphic depicting updates from U.S. military support to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. Text: At the request of the government of Haiti and in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, Joint Task Force-Haiti conducted foreign disaster assistance operations Aug. 15 - Sept. 2 to aid victims of a devastating earthquake in Haiti’s Southern Claw as part of a whole-of-government effort. 19 helicopters, 6 ships and 8 transport aircraft. 671 total missions (DoD and U.S. Coast Guard). 587,950 pounds transported. 477 people assisted or rescued. Numbers reflect operations from Aug. 15 - Sept. 2, 2021. (Graphic produced by SOUTHCOM Public Affairs)

JTF-Haiti Imagery

LATEST HAITI EARTHQUAKE IMAGERY

JTF-Haiti Releases

Overview

U.S. military efforts were in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance

In Haiti, the U.S. military worked in coordination with USAID, the Government of Haiti, other international partners, and non-governmental organizations (NGO) to provide relief to the people of Haiti, as requested by their government. The main mission was to facilitate disaster relief operations to rapidly reduce the suffering of survivors. 

The role of U.S. military forces during this disaster relief support mission was to rapidly respond with critically needed capabilities to deliver assistance and aid to areas the Government of Haiti deems most necessary. The U.S. military provides unique capability in support of USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance efforts until local resources have the capacity and capability to assume and manage humanitarian assistance requirements. 

We have stood side by side with Haiti and its people for decades and we will continue to be with Haiti through this natural disaster. 

Background Information

The U.S. military has a history of supporting USAID-led relief missions and working with international relief organizations and host countries to aid those afflicted by disasters 

Historically, U.S. military capabilities are needed most in the critical early stages of a disaster relief operation, when fewer resources, capabilities and disaster-response experts are available to help victims and impacted communities. As those disaster-relief missions progress and more experienced experts arrive to aid longer-term recovery and reconstruction, U.S. military capabilities are no longer requested, and roles previously performed by military units are assumed by other, more experienced relief organizations.

Haiti: How to Help

USAID Logo and  Center for International Disaster Information logoCash donations are the most efficient form of assistance. Unlike material donations, cash involves no transportation costs, shipping delays, or customs fees.  It also enables relief organizations to spend more time providing aid by spending less time managing goods. Cash donations also allow relief supplies to be purchased in markets close to the disaster site, which stimulates the local economy by providing employment and generating cash flow.

More Info on How You Can Help