Lots of leftwing bloggers have posted the following. I was slow off the mark because I was in a news blackout on tuesday and wednesday (work conference in Manchester… didn’t see a telly, paper or website!). I will be donating money I’ve saved over the last week or so by being trapped by the snow! The DEC has set up an appeal as well now.
A huge 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti last night. This is one of the worst disasters to befall crisis ridden Haiti. The extent of the devastation is still unclear but it is likely thousands have died and many, many more are trapped in the rubble. The early signs are not good: with communications down across the country Haiti’s large expatriate population are still unclear what has happened to their relatives and friends.
We’d urge all of our readers to donate to the disaster relief charities, and ask other bloggers to crosspost this message to spread the word about how to 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.
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.
Mercy Corps are also seeking donations so they can expand their aid efforts in Haiti.
More organisations seeking donations are available here.
Please help in whatever way you can.
