Fears for Haiti after devastating earthquake

Posted: 13th Jan 2010

Like many of you, I was devastated to hear the recent news on Haiti being hit with a major earthquake on Tuesday. The earthquake struck about 10 miles south west of Port au Prince, which was then followed by two very strong after shocks.

News is continually coming in about the aftermath of this catastrophic disaster and how Haiti has now been left in ruins. The earthquake has caused devastation on major proportions.

The President of Haiti, Rene Preval has said he fears thousands of people are dead, following the earthquake that has devastated the country’s capital. The earthquake is the worst to have hit Haiti in two hundred years.

He went on to describe the capital as “unimaginable’ he said, “Parliament has collapsed, the tax office has collapsed, schools have collapsed, hospitals have collapsed.

The airport in Port-au-Prince is operational despite the collapse of the control tower, hopefully allowing aid to start arriving soon.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has suffered a number of recent disasters, including four hurricanes and storms in 2008 that killed hundreds.

With communications destroyed by the earthquake, it is not yet possible to confirm the extent of the destruction, although there were reports on today that many bodies are being piled in the streets.

Native-born singer Wyclef Jean has established Yele Haiti a movement that is helping to bring hope back to Haiti. Projects are designed to make a difference in the fields of education, health, environment and community development. The power and reach of music, sports and the media is used to increase the impact of these projects.

YELE HAITI EARTHQUAKE FUND has been set up now to provide 100% of funds raised goes to the relief operation.

Please visit http://yele.org/ and donate now.

UK residents / taxpayers can make Gift Aid donations with the Disasters Emergency Committee, please visit http://www.dec.org.uk/

Your money will help with relief efforts. They need our help... please help if you can.

Written By: Nadia Auckburally