15 January 2010
Thousands of people in Haiti are tonight facing the fourth night of their earthquake nightmare.
A massive tremor south of the capital Port-au-Prince devastated countless homes and buildings, leaving many homeless.
Tearfund is responding and helping the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. We’ve sent funds so our partners on the ground can help survivors cope with the immediate aftermath.
Trauma
These partners, many of whom work closely with local churches, are carrying out assessments to see where the need is greatest but it is already clear that providing shelter is a priority.
Matthew Frost, Tearfund’s Chief Executive, said, ‘Please support our partners in prayer, as they themselves face the immense scale of disaster, the trauma, the destruction and loss of life that this earthquake has brought. You can find out more about our work in Haiti and give to our appeal at www.tearfund.org’
Haiti’s death toll is expected to rise into the thousands after the quake measuring seven on the Richter scale struck the impoverished Caribbean country on Tuesday.
Rubble
Rescue efforts to dig people from the rubble of smashed homes, shops and offices have been hampered by blocked roads, power cuts, disrupted communications and a lack of equipment.
Jennie Evans, Tearfund’s Head of Region for Latin America and the Caribbean, said, ‘With so many buildings destroyed and so many people made homeless, the need for shelter and basic essentials such as food and water is extremely urgent.’
The UN has an 11,000-strong peacekeeping force in Haiti which is gathering information about the extent of the devastation.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, ‘My heart goes out to the people of Haiti after this devastating earthquake. At this time of tragedy, I am very concerned for the people of Haiti and also for the many United Nations staff who serve there.’
- Pray for the people of Haiti as they deal with the aftermath of the earthquake, ask the Lord to comfort those who are injured and mourning.
- Pray for rescue efforts to find survivors trapped in destroyed buildings and for communication links and power supplies to be restored quickly.
- Pray for a swift and generous response from the international community to help this disaster-prone poor country.
- Pray for the safety and protection of Tearfund staff and partners based in Haiti and that they will be able to respond as effectively as possible.