Analysis of the humanitarian response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake

This study seeks to clarify the reconstruction environment by focusing on the urban context and analyzing some of the major issues specific to Port-au-Prince (land, housing, risks, etc.), as well as by presenting some of the main stakeholders’ strategies and by reviewing the national strategy outlined in 2011. The aim was to enable Solidarités International to more effectively define the scope of its activities in line with its goals, know-how and expertise.

Client

–      Solidarités International

Date

–      2011

Ever since the area was first settled, Port-au-Prince has been continuously rebuilt. At the same time, urban sprawl has increased during each crisis, with urban population growth being linked to the country’s regular hurricanes, earthquakes and political changes. Successive political crises have also played their part by generating a continuous and massive rural exodus, leading to the gradual impoverishment of provinces and strengthening the attraction of the capital.

In 2010, the earthquake on the 12th of January was the latest crisis to hit the city, leaving chaos in its wake: a large part of the city was destroyed, 230,000 people died and 1.5 million were displaced. This report analyzes the various issues related to the reconstruction of the city of Port-au-Prince, the main challenges encountered and some of the urban intervention strategies introduced, particularly those implemented in informal settlements.