De Blasio vows NYC will help Haiti after deadly earthquake: ‘Many hands make the load lighter’

Dave Goldiner

Mayor de Blasio vowed on Tuesday that New York City will step up to aid Haiti after a powerful earthquake struck the impoverished Caribbean nation over the weekend.

Flanked by Haitian-American NYPD Lt. Claude Celestin, the mayor urged New Yorkers to step up to assist Haiti as the death toll from the quake has killed 1,941 to date, and that number continues to rise.

“Folks in Haiti have been through so much but they’ve always known the people of New York stand with them,” de Blasio said. “We can’t let the people of Haiti feel alone.”

A destroyed home is viewed after the earthquake near Camp-Perrin, Haiti on August 16, 2021.
A destroyed home is viewed after the earthquake near Camp-Perrin, Haiti on August 16, 2021.


A destroyed home is viewed after the earthquake near Camp-Perrin, Haiti on August 16, 2021. (REGINALD LOUISSAINT JR/)

Amid the devastation in his homeland, Celestin shared a Haitian Kreyol saying that reads: “Many hands make the load lighter.”

He said donations for Haitian relief efforts are being accepted at all city police precincts. De Blasio said New Yorkers can also make contributions through NYC Stands With Haiti, a program of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York.

Homes lay in ruins along an earthquake-damaged road in Rampe, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, four days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the southwestern part of the country.
Homes lay in ruins along an earthquake-damaged road in Rampe, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, four days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the southwestern part of the country.
People stand next to the coffin that contains the remains of Francois Elmay, whose body was recovered from the rubble of a home destroyed by Saturday's 7.2-magnitude earthquake, in Les Cayes, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021.
People stand next to the coffin that contains the remains of Francois Elmay, whose body was recovered from the rubble of a home destroyed by Saturday's 7.2-magnitude earthquake, in Les Cayes, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021.
People injured in Saturday's 7.2-magnitude earthquake and their relatives crowd an emergency room at the Saint Antoine Hospital in Jeremie, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021.
People injured in Saturday's 7.2-magnitude earthquake and their relatives crowd an emergency room at the Saint Antoine Hospital in Jeremie, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021.
A crane removes a truck from a pile of rocks after landslides triggered by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit four days prior in River Glass, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021.
A crane removes a truck from a pile of rocks after landslides triggered by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit four days prior in River Glass, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021.
A woman walks past a collapsed building in Jeremie, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, four days after the city was struck by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A woman walks past a collapsed building in Jeremie, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, four days after the city was struck by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A truck drives past a collapsed building in Jeremie, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, four days after the city was struck by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A truck drives past a collapsed building in Jeremie, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, four days after the city was struck by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A man stands close to the rubble of a collapsed building in Jeremie, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, four days after the city was struck by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A man stands close to the rubble of a collapsed building in Jeremie, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, four days after the city was struck by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A soldier walks over earthquake rubble the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after the 7.2 magnitude quake.
A soldier walks over earthquake rubble the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after the 7.2 magnitude quake.
An earthquake-displaced woman sits under a piece of plastic in a field the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
An earthquake-displaced woman sits under a piece of plastic in a field the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
Canadian volunteer Randy Lodder helps search for people who may be trapped under the earthquake rubble the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2 magnitude quake.
Canadian volunteer Randy Lodder helps search for people who may be trapped under the earthquake rubble the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2 magnitude quake.
Canadian volunteer Randy Lodder walks over debris as he helps search for people who may be trapped under the earthquake rubble the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after the 7.2 magnitude quake.
Canadian volunteer Randy Lodder walks over debris as he helps search for people who may be trapped under the earthquake rubble the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after the 7.2 magnitude quake.
People look for whatever can be recovered in their flooded house as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti. Rescue workers have been working among destroyed homes since the quake struck on Saturday and so far there are 1,419 dead and 6,000 wounded. The epicenter was located about 100 miles west of the capital city Port-au-Prince.
Earthquake-displaced people sit inside a container for protection from the elements the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
Earthquake-displaced people sit inside a container for protection from the elements the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
Earthquake-displaced people stand under a pharmacy's overhang the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
Earthquake-displaced people stand under a pharmacy's overhang the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A woman carries a jerrycan on her head through a flooded area as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A woman carries a jerrycan on her head through a flooded area as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A woman works on a shelter after being hit by Tropical Storm Grace at an improvised refugee camp at Parc Lande de Gabion stadium after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A woman works on a shelter after being hit by Tropical Storm Grace at an improvised refugee camp at Parc Lande de Gabion stadium after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
Earthquake-displaced people sit under blankets to shield themselves from the rain, the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, early Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
Earthquake-displaced people sit under blankets to shield themselves from the rain, the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, early Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A resident crosses a flooded street the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Trou Mahot, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A resident crosses a flooded street the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Trou Mahot, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
Men set up tents for shelter as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
Men set up tents for shelter as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A man walks through a flooded area as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A man walks through a flooded area as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A man walks along a road in a slightly flooded area the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over the area in Trou Mahot, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A man walks along a road in a slightly flooded area the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over the area in Trou Mahot, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A woman cleans her house as she checks what can be recovered as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A woman cleans her house as she checks what can be recovered as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
Earthquake-displaced children huddle under a piece of plastic the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
Earthquake-displaced children huddle under a piece of plastic the morning after Tropical Storm Grace swept over Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, three days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
A woman takes mattresses into a school classroom where people take shelter as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A woman takes mattresses into a school classroom where people take shelter as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A youth bathes at a makeshift camp for people whose homes collapsed during the earthquake at a soccer field at sunset in Les Cayes, Haiti, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the country.
A youth bathes at a makeshift camp for people whose homes collapsed during the earthquake at a soccer field at sunset in Les Cayes, Haiti, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the country.
A woman works on a shelter after being hit by Tropical Storm Grace at an improvised refugee camp at Parc Lande de Gabion stadium after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A woman works on a shelter after being hit by Tropical Storm Grace at an improvised refugee camp at Parc Lande de Gabion stadium after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
People walk through a flooded street as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
People walk through a flooded street as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
Two women take shelter after being hit by Tropical Storm Grace at an improvised refugee camp at Parc Lande de Gabion stadium after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
Two women take shelter after being hit by Tropical Storm Grace at an improvised refugee camp at Parc Lande de Gabion stadium after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A kid sits at a school classroom bench next to mattresses set up to dry as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
A kid sits at a school classroom bench next to mattresses set up to dry as heavy rain brought by tropical storm Grace hits Haitians just after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 17, 2021, in Les Cayes, Haiti.
People affected by Saturday's earthquake stand under the rain of Tropical Depression Grace at a refugee camp in Les Cayes, Haiti, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021.
People affected by Saturday's earthquake stand under the rain of Tropical Depression Grace at a refugee camp in Les Cayes, Haiti, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021.
People affected by Saturday's earthquake walk under the rain of Tropical Depression Grace at a refugee camp in Les Cayes, Haiti, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021.
People affected by Saturday's earthquake walk under the rain of Tropical Depression Grace at a refugee camp in Les Cayes, Haiti, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021.
A woman affected by Saturday's earthquake recovers her belongings under the rain of Tropical Depression Grace at a refugee camp in Les Cayes, Haiti, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021.
A woman affected by Saturday's earthquake recovers her belongings under the rain of Tropical Depression Grace at a refugee camp in Les Cayes, Haiti, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021.
A man stands outside a collapsed shop in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. The death toll from a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Haiti climbed to more than 1,200 on Sunday as rescuers raced to find survivors amid the rubble ahead of an approaching tropical storm.
A man stands outside a collapsed shop in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. The death toll from a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Haiti climbed to more than 1,200 on Sunday as rescuers raced to find survivors amid the rubble ahead of an approaching tropical storm.
A man walks on a collapsed building in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the hemisphere's poorest nation on Aug. 14.
A man walks on a collapsed building in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the hemisphere's poorest nation on Aug. 14.
A home lays in ruins in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the country.
A home lays in ruins in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the country.
Residents walk past a collapsed building in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the hemisphere's poorest nation on Aug. 14.
Residents walk past a collapsed building in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the hemisphere's poorest nation on Aug. 14.
A person injured in the earthquake is transferred to a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter in Les Cayes, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the country.
A person injured in the earthquake is transferred to a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter in Les Cayes, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the country.
A Catholic church is damaged in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the country.
A Catholic church is damaged in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the country.
Residents stay outside their homes amid the fear of aftershocks in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti, early Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the country.
Residents stay outside their homes amid the fear of aftershocks in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti, early Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, two days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of the country.
Locals recover their belongings from their homes destroyed in the earthquake in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. The death toll from the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Haiti soared on Sunday as rescuers raced to find survivors amid the rubble ahead of a potential deluge from an approaching tropical storm.
Locals recover their belongings from their homes destroyed in the earthquake in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. The death toll from the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Haiti soared on Sunday as rescuers raced to find survivors amid the rubble ahead of a potential deluge from an approaching tropical storm.
People injured during the earthquake are treated in the hospital in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
People injured during the earthquake are treated in the hospital in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
People leave the earthquake-stricken area in a pickup truck in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
People leave the earthquake-stricken area in a pickup truck in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
People cry during the search for those who are still missing in a house destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
People cry during the search for those who are still missing in a house destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A road is damaged by the earthquake in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. The death toll from the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Haiti soared on Sunday as rescuers raced to find survivors amid the rubble ahead of a potential deluge from an approaching tropical storm.
A road is damaged by the earthquake in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. The death toll from the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Haiti soared on Sunday as rescuers raced to find survivors amid the rubble ahead of a potential deluge from an approaching tropical storm.
A doll lays in the rubble of a house destroyed by the earthquake in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A doll lays in the rubble of a house destroyed by the earthquake in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A woman walks in the rubble of her earthquake-destroyed home as she attempts to recover her belongings, in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. The death toll from a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Haiti soared on Sunday as rescuers raced to find survivors amid the rubble ahead of a potential deluge from an approaching tropical storm.
A woman walks in the rubble of her earthquake-destroyed home as she attempts to recover her belongings, in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. The death toll from a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Haiti soared on Sunday as rescuers raced to find survivors amid the rubble ahead of a potential deluge from an approaching tropical storm.
A man digs with a stone through the rubble of a house destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A man digs with a stone through the rubble of a house destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
Coffins lay in the debris of a collapsed store that sold coffins in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021.
Coffins lay in the debris of a collapsed store that sold coffins in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021.
A woman sits in front of a destroyed house after the earthquake in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A woman sits in front of a destroyed house after the earthquake in Camp-Perrin, Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
Firefighters search for survivors inside a collapsed building after Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
Firefighters search for survivors inside a collapsed building after Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
Firefighters search for survivors inside a collapsed building, after Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
Firefighters search for survivors inside a collapsed building, after Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A family eats breakfast in front of homes destroyed by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A family eats breakfast in front of homes destroyed by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
Men carry a mattress as people sleep on the streets after Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
Men carry a mattress as people sleep on the streets after Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
People rest after spending the night at a soccer field following Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
People rest after spending the night at a soccer field following Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
People load emergency supplies from a Doctors Without Borders ambulance into a United Nations helicopter bound for the earthquake-ravaged city Les Cayes at the local terminal of the Toussaint Louverture airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
People load emergency supplies from a Doctors Without Borders ambulance into a United Nations helicopter bound for the earthquake-ravaged city Les Cayes at the local terminal of the Toussaint Louverture airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A woman carries her child as she walks in the remains of her home destroyed by Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A woman carries her child as she walks in the remains of her home destroyed by Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A firefighter searches for survivors inside a damaged building, after Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A firefighter searches for survivors inside a damaged building, after Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A girl washes her face after spending the night at a soccer field following Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
A girl washes her face after spending the night at a soccer field following Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
Locals begin to wake up after spending the night outside after Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
Locals begin to wake up after spending the night outside after Saturday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
People displaced from their destroyed houses by an earthquake spend the night outdoors in the hospital garden in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southwestern Haiti on Saturday, killing hundreds.
People displaced from their destroyed houses by an earthquake spend the night outdoors in the hospital garden in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southwestern Haiti on Saturday, killing hundreds.
A private residence is damaged after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, late Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
A private residence is damaged after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, late Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
People displaced from their destroyed houses by an earthquake spend the night outdoors in the hospital garden in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
People displaced from their destroyed houses by an earthquake spend the night outdoors in the hospital garden in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
Oxiliene Morency cries out in grief after the body of her 7-year-old-daughter Esther Daniel was recovered from the rubble of their home after an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
Oxiliene Morency cries out in grief after the body of her 7-year-old-daughter Esther Daniel was recovered from the rubble of their home after an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
People search for survivors in a home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
People search for survivors in a home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
An aerial view shows the Hotel Le Manguier destroyed by an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
An aerial view shows the Hotel Le Manguier destroyed by an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
The residence of the Catholic bishop lays in ruins after an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, with the epicenter about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
The residence of the Catholic bishop lays in ruins after an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, with the epicenter about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
People walk past a home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
People walk past a home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
A man uses a sledgehammer to rescue people from the rubble of a home destroyed by an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
A man uses a sledgehammer to rescue people from the rubble of a home destroyed by an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
The backside of the residence of the Catholic bishop is damaged after an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
The backside of the residence of the Catholic bishop is damaged after an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
A woman recovers belongings from her home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
A woman recovers belongings from her home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
The K-oriol mini-mart building is damaged after an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
The K-oriol mini-mart building is damaged after an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
People gather outside the Petit Pas Hotel, destroyed by an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, with the epicenter about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
People gather outside the Petit Pas Hotel, destroyed by an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, with the epicenter about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
A woman injured in an earthquake is moved to a plane in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
A woman injured in an earthquake is moved to a plane in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
A man tries to recover belongings from his home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, with the epicenter about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
A man tries to recover belongings from his home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, with the epicenter about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
The CaSud restaurant and hotel is damaged after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. According to a family member of the owner, the owner and the owner's mother are trapped inside.
The CaSud restaurant and hotel is damaged after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. According to a family member of the owner, the owner and the owner's mother are trapped inside.
The Cayimite Hotel is damaged after an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
The Cayimite Hotel is damaged after an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
People search for survivors in the debris of a home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
People search for survivors in the debris of a home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
A man recovers belongings from his home that was destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
A man recovers belongings from his home that was destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
A woman stands in front of a destroyed home in the aftermath of an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, with the epicenter about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
A woman stands in front of a destroyed home in the aftermath of an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, with the epicenter about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
People search for survivors in a home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.
People search for survivors in a home destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021.

Celestin said his group is asking for donations of supplies including food, tents, medical supplies, feminine hygiene products and other basic necessities.

“We are counting on the generosity and the humanity of all New Yorkers,” said Celestin, who leads the Haitian-American Law Enforcement Fraternal Organization.

People make repairs and create shelter, after spending the night outside in the aftermath of the earthquake, facing the severe inclement weather of Tropical Storm Grace near Les Cayes, Haiti on August 17, 2021.
People make repairs and create shelter, after spending the night outside in the aftermath of the earthquake, facing the severe inclement weather of Tropical Storm Grace near Les Cayes, Haiti on August 17, 2021.


People make repairs and create shelter, after spending the night outside in the aftermath of the earthquake, facing the severe inclement weather of Tropical Storm Grace near Les Cayes, Haiti on August 17, 2021. (REGINALD LOUISSAINT JR/)

The magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck on Saturday, with the epicenter on Haiti’s slender southern peninsula. It was the worst quake to hit Haiti since 2010, which struck much closer to the capital of Port-au-Prince.

The situation was made even worse by Tropical Storm Grace, which hit Monday night. The storm caused widespread flooding and mudslides, cutting off some of the worst-affected areas from the rest of the country.

The Pentagon said Tuesday it formed a joint task force to assist the U.S. Agency for International Development in disaster relief efforts.

“The resilience of our people in Haiti is legendary,” Celestin said. “We are even stronger and more resilient with the help of our brothers and sisters in New York.”

“Together we stand strong even with broken hearts in the spirit of our ancestors,” said Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Brooklyn).

Eric Adams, Brooklyn’s borough president and the Democratic nominee for mayor, said the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere would be facing a “grave disaster” even without myriad other problems.

“For a nation already battling a pandemic & reeling from a presidential assassination, it’s been all the more devastating,” Adams said.

Officials said the magnitude 7.2 earthquake destroyed more than 7,000 homes and damaged nearly 5,000 more, leaving about 30,000 families homeless. Hospitals, schools, offices and churches also were demolished or badly damaged.

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