Hurricane Irma Emergency Response

Thousands of families in poor communities in Haiti need our help to survive the imminent onslaught of Hurricane Irma.

Hurricane Irma – the most powerful Atlantic Ocean storm ever recorded with potentially catastrophic category 5 gusts of up to 185mph and torrential rainfall - is heading for the Caribbean island.

We have a long-standing relationship with our sisters and brothers in Haiti – helping them recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew last year and the deadly earthquake in 2010.

A string of natural disasters such as these, along with chronic instability and dictatorships, have made Haiti particularly vulnerable and the poorest nation in the Americas.

We are working with our partners on the ground who are helping poverty-stricken Haitians prepare for another potential disaster expected to wreak havoc on the northern parts of the Caribbean island tomorrow.

Heavy storms and gusts of extremely violent winds are predicted to become widespread, especially in the northern coastal areas, bringing with it the risk of severe flooding and life-threatening mudslides - leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Last year, your generous donations helped us give emergency food, water and shelter to thousands of families whose lives were destroyed when Hurricane Matthew killed more than 900 people and completely wiped out most areas in the south of the island.

In 2010, a massive earthquake killed more than 200,000 people and destroyed vital infrastructure such as roads, schools and hospitals. We've helped to rebuild homes following that earthquake. Working closely with local partners, we're also providing livestock to poor farming families and training so they can increase their harvests.Now we are calling on our loyal family of supporters across Scotland to help us once again save lives in Haiti.

Please keep the people of Haiti, and all those affected by Hurricane Irma, in your thoughts and prayers.