Tensions grow in Haiti over slow pace of aid after quake

Relief supplies are flowing more quickly into Haiti, yet gang violence and torrential rains from Tropical Storm Grace are making it challenging to get supplies to victims in need. Meanwhile, a major hospital in the capital of Port-au-Prince shut down for two days in protest of the gang kidnapping of two doctors, including one of the country’s few orthopedic surgeons.

How is the recovery effort going? The United States has transported search and rescue teams, medical workers, and 5,500 pounds of medical supplies to the Caribbean country. While some officials want to start clearing debris to let residents build temporary shelters, Prime Minister Ariel Henry disagreed, fearing people are still buried under the rubble. Travel between Port-au-Prince and the hardest-hit areas is difficult due to poor roads and crime. Some villagers in southern provinces have put up barricades to prevent aid from getting through, arguing they need help, too. Saturday’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake killed more than 2,000 people and left about 30,000 families homeless.

Dig deeper: Read Onize Ohikere’s report on aid groups in Haiti working on the relief efforts.