Thousands of homes destroyed, hundreds of people killed and millions more affected by Hurricane Matthew, which passed over the Caribbean and the south-east of the US late last week.
In Haiti alone, wind speeds of 233 kilometres per hour and severe flooding resulted in the death of up to 900 locals, and in the US falling trees and carbon monoxide fumes claimed at least 16 lives.
While the wrath of Matthew may have simmered in recent days, during his peak, the largest Hurricane to hit the region in almost a decade destroyed nearly 90 percent of Haiti’s south, leaving thousands homeless and at risk of disease.
Eli Pierre Celestin, A Haiti Health Ministry Official said 13 people have already died from the water-born disease, cholera, and another 62 have been diagnosed with the illness.
https://twitter.com/jimmypedya/status/785282359310462978
“People have started dying. There are nurses but no doctor.”
Eli Pierre Celestin, Health Ministry Official
In a bid to encourage people to support Hurricane relief groups, United Airlines is offering a total of five million in MileagePlus miles to customers who donate to organisations such as the American Red Cross, Americares, Airlink and OperationUSA.
The extra points will be given to customers who donate to these organisations through the online donations platform, CrowdRise.
Additionally, United will give up to $100,000 to match donations.
“The thoughts of our entire United family are with the families and individuals affected by this devastating storm.”
Brett Hart, United Executive Vice President and General Counsel
“Our customers and employees have shown their generosity and eagerness to help time and time again in disasters such as Hurricane Matthew.
“It is our hope that partnering with these organizations will help provide relief to those who need it most.”
United will award members miles based on the size of their donation.
