Despite great challenges, relief efforts continue in Haiti, and the need for help of all kinds continues:
Relief Efforts Continue in Haiti After Earthquake
From Episcopal Relief and Development
January 21, 2010
Over a week since the 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on January 12, the nation is still being affected by large aftershocks, including a 6.1-magnitude event yesterday morning. However, the continued geological events are only one challenge facing those trying to provide relief in Haiti.
Despite the efforts of international aid organizations, food, water and other critical resources are still greatly needed by many residents of Port-au-Prince and other parts of the country. Congested runways and ports have made it difficult to get materials into Haiti, and while the situation is slowly improving, lack of available fuel continues to hinder the transport of available supplies to those in need.
“We’ve been working closely with the Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic to get shipments into Haiti on a daily basis,” said Kirsten Muth, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Senior Program Director, who is currently working on the ground with Katie Mears, Program Manager for USA Disaster Preparedness and Response.
“We are also using helicopter support from our partner Worldwide Village to provide medical supplies and food to affected rural communities and parishes, including Gressier, Grand Colline and Trouin,” said Mears. “The team here has also recently secured additional transport vehicles, which are allowing us to deliver more supplies and reach a larger number of people. Relief efforts are expanding daily.”
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To assist those suffering in the wake of this disaster, please consider making a donation to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Haiti fund at www.er-d.org or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058. Please write “Haiti” in the memo of all checks.