Help Haiti

Yesterday the worst earthquake in 200 years struck Haiti. As the full scale of the disaster emerges the BBC is now reporting that the death toll from the disaster could exceed 100,000. Although there is as yet no accurate assessment of the death toll it is clear that millions of people live in the affected area. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, greatly increasing the risk that people will suffer or die in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster.

As a UK based organisation we don’t have the capacity to offer assistance but here is a list of organisations that are working hard to help the thousands of victims:

The Disasters Emergency Comittee has launched an appeal which will suport the efforts of the DEC’s members which are the major UK aid agencies. You can donate online http://www.dec.org.uk/ or over the phone: 0370 60 60 900

Avaaz.org has launched an appeal “100% of funds raised will go into post-earthquake relief and rebuilding programmes and efforts to strengthen local systems in Haiti — it’s the most direct way to build Haiti’s resilience and help meet the desperate needs of the people on the frontline who need help urgently today. Donate here: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_haiti/

UNICEF have issued a statement that “Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them.” UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund.

Medicins san Frontieres are responding to the Earthquake in Haiti with their usual speed and efficiency and any donations would be of a great help.

Oxfam has long experience in Haiti, and they are rushing in teams from around the region to respond where they’re needed most. They already have a team in Port-au-Prince and their response will include providing clean water, shelter and sanitation.

More organisations appealing for funds are listed here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/12/haiti-earthquake-relief-h_n_421014.html

(With thanks to leftoutside http://leftoutside.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/help-haiti/)