Residents look at destroyed buildings after a major earthquake hit the capital Port-au-Prince, January 13, 2010.
Photo credit: REUTERS/Carlos Barria
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A powerful earthquake of 7.0 magnitude struck southern Haiti on the evening of January 12, rocking the capital Port-au-Prince and sparking a tsunami alert for neighbouring states. The quake was followed by two strong aftershocks. Early reports indicate that a hospital and many other buildings have collapsed.
Downed communications, blocked roads, and continuing aftershocks slowed relief efforts overnight, with staff unable to leave the World Vision's Port-au-Prince office for several hours due to fallen debris in the roadways.
Extensive damage
“It felt as if a truck had hit a wall," said World Vision's Magalie Boyer, describing the initial tremor. "There is extensive damage in the city. People are getting ready to spend the night in the streets. They are not comfortable staying in their houses.”
World Vision is assessing the damage and preparing a relief response. "World Vision Haiti will distribute first-aid kits to survivors, along with basic materials such as soap, blankets, clothes, and bottles of water as an initial response," Boyer added.
Especially devastating for the poor
Meanwhile, World Vision staff members from less-affected regions of Haiti have been mobilised, and World Vision's global experts are expected to arrive in the disaster zone soon.
Crystal Penner, a World Vision aid worker, was in the central plateau region of Haiti when the quake hit: "There are relief goods pre-positioned in various locations across the country, though the challenge will be getting those supplies swiftly to those in need," she said.
"We would be very concerned about a quake of this magnitude anywhere in the world, but it is especially devastating in Haiti, where people are acutely vulnerable because of poor infrastructure and extreme poverty," said Edward Brown, World Vision's relief director in the United States.
Reaching hard-hit areas with supplies is expected to be a significant challenge due to damaged roads and infrastructure, including the main airport and government buildings.
World Vision has worked in Haiti for 30 years and has some 370 staff members in the country.
World Vision is appealing for financial donations to assist children, families, and communities left devastated by this destructive earthquake and its aftershocks. Please check back for updates as they are available.
Resident walk next to a dead body after an earthquake in Port-au-Prince January 13, 2010.
Photo credit: REUTERS/Carlos Barria
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A injured child receives medical treatment after an earthquake in Port-au-Prince January 13, 2010.
Photo credit: REUTERS/Carlos Barria
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