There has been lots of rains in the south since this morning [August 17]; people, especially children and the sick, cannot stay in the rain, and here we have just reported the collapse of two buildings with people under the rubble, the southern population is calling for help to save lives.

Since this morning, the rain has been pouring down everywhere in Haiti with great force with the passage of Tropical Storm Grace. The southern coast, particularly in Les Cayes and the surrounding areas, is still in great difficulty.

Note: A government source made a provisional assessment of the earthquake of August 14: 1,297 dead, 1,054 in Sud Department, 119 in Grand’Anse Department. 122 in Nippes Department, and two in Nord-Ouest Department. 5,700 wounded identified only in Sud Department alone, with 70% of the houses have suffered damage or else completely destroyed.

I am following the information carefully. It has been said that aid from several countries is starting to arrive in Sud and the other affected departments. I do not know how many people who are already affected, and am very afraid that they will not reach the people who need it. There are a great many people with disabilities in the south, and I have heard that it is especially terrible for them.

We are already collecting some information on the families of the parish of St. John of Shanghai & San Francisco in Les Cayes, five of whom have had their houses destroyed and three which have sustained damage. Fr. Pierre Laguerre’s house was also destroyed. Many roads are cut off with landslides and rivers are flooding, making it difficult to reach for some parishioners. We will keep you informed of developments after the earthquake.

The Mission has already planned a response to Fr. Pierre's situation, which requires immediate attention.

We ask for your prayers.

In Christ,
Matushka Rose Legouté