An urgent appeal has been launched today (15 January) to raise funds for the island nation of Haiti after it was struck by a severe 7.3 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday.
Tens of thousands of people are feared to have died and many more have been left injured, traumatised and homeless.
As the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti was ill-equipped to deal with such a disaster. Basic services and communications in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince have collapsed, any hospitals that are still standing are overwhelmed and survivors are increasingly vulnerable to disease, hunger and dehydration.
“This is a disaster of quite unimaginable magnitude," said John Cunningham, spokesman for Mercy Corps, who are leading the emergency fund-raising campaign through the Edinburgh Disaster Response Committee (EDRC).
“There is an immediate need for funds to enable us to deliver basic essentials like food, water and shelter. Getting boots on the ground and aid to survivors in the first few days is absolutely critical in terms of minimising further casualties and beginning the helping people get back on to their feet.”
Mercy Corps set up the EDRC with other city organisations in 2009 to co-ordinate fundraising across Edinburgh (and East Central Scotland) to respond more effectively to such a disaster as that unfolding in Haiti.
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, George Grubb, who chairs the Edinburgh Disaster Committee, said: “I'm pleased to have seen very quick action from the government and aid agencies to deal with the immediate impact of this disaster."
He added: “For our part, we will be looking to the longer-term and trying to provide assistance for the rebuilding of those communities devastated by the earthquake. Our staff and people in the Edinburgh area have a long and proud tradition of reaching out to those in less fortunate circumstances. I’m sure they will act with the same compassion and generosity in response to this tragedy.”
Mercy Corps, has deployed an emergency response team to Haiti. The team is comprised of experts who have responded to devastating disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, the Wenchuan earthquake in China and Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.
Randy Martin, Mercy Corps’ Director of Global Emergency Operations said: “Initial reports indicate massive damage and widespread casualties. Our team will quickly assess what the most pressing needs are in earthquake-affected areas and develop an appropriate response to help survivors.”
The team will also focus helping communities rapidly transition from immediate relief to long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts.
Mercy Corps, whose European headquarters is in the Newington area of Edinburgh, was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
How to Help:
People can help by donating to the appeal online at www.mercycorps.org.uk/haiti or by calling 0845 245 0686 between 8am and 8pm.