MIAMI — Although a major aftershock struck Haiti early Wednesday morning, the more than 400 Red Cross disaster relief workers on the island are continuing relief efforts today.
A number of local Haitian Red Cross volunteers who were personally affected by last week’s earthquake are rebuilding their temporary shelters and checking on loved ones.
The situation in Haiti remains desperate, but support from the American public is making it into the hands of survivors and more help is on the way.
Red Cross teams from other nations are delivering clean drinking water to survivors gathering in six different communities.
In addition to the first aid posts, outreach teams are also aiding the injured in nearby camps. Red Cross responders from six countries are treating injuries and triaging people for surgery at hospitals and medical centers in Port-au-Prince, Carrefour and Jacmel.
Planes and trucks carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance are arriving in the region every day, delivering much needed materials such as medical supplies, tarps, blankets, hygiene items, buckets, shelter supplies and kitchen sets. So far, more than 500 tons of Red Cross aid has been mobilized.
The American Red Cross is providing approximately 3 million pre-packaged meals in partnership with the World Food Program in Haiti.
In the days ahead, the American Red Cross will provide supplies for temporary shelters in Haiti. Kits, containing wood, tarps, rope and tools, as well as tents and blankets, will be made available for an initial 20,000 families.
Approximately 100 American Red Cross Creole-speaking volunteers will be aboard the USNS Comfort to translate for patients.
In South Florida, American Red Cross volunteers are providing a variety of support services for the more than 2,400 US citizens that were flown to Homestead Air Reserve Base, Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale /Hollywood International Airport. These services may vary slightly depending on the individuals’ needs when they arrive, but may include shelter, food, emotional support, basic first aid, comfort kits and referrals to other community services.
“This is a massive urban disaster of unprecedented proportions, and we know that this is going to be a costly long-term recovery operation,” said Sam Tidwell, Regional CEO, American Red Cross South Florida Region. “Terrible times like these bring out the best in people, and we are grateful for the support being given to the American Red Cross.”
As of January 17, the American Red Cross has raised more than $103 million for relief efforts. We know that we are going to spend much more than that to help the people of Haiti.
How you can donate:
• By Text: text “Haiti” to 90999 to send a ten dollar donation to the Red Cross efforts in Haiti.
• Online: www.redcross.org, www.southfloridaredcross.org or www.tucruzroja.org
• By Phone: 1-800-RED-CROSS
• By Mail: American Red Cross, PO Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013
