We desperately need your support to help people affected by this disaster Although Christian Aid staff have been directly affected by the earthquake, they are all doing well and have already started to coordinate an emergency response with our partners who are ready and able to respond. We are also part of a very robust Action by Churches Together (ACT) network, which is working to help those affected by the disaster. Most of the buildings and infrastructure in Haiti are very fragile. There has been widespread destruction of homes and schools and major damage to key water, electricity and road systems. Many people have been killed by falling debris and there are still many more trapped under the rubble, in desperate need of assistance. The most pressing need is to deliver emergency food and shelter to the most vulnerable people whose homes have been destroyed. Nick Guttman, head of Christian Aid’s humanitarian division, said today: ‘The situation in Haiti is very, very serious due to the strength and shallowness of the earthquake and its proximity to the capital Port-au-Prince. ‘Most of the buildings and infrastructure in Haiti are very fragile. Many people have been killed by falling debris and there are still many more trapped under the rubble, in desperate need of assistance. ‘Hundreds of offices, hotels, houses and shops have collapsed, the presidential palace lies in ruins, and many churches have also been completely destroyed. The absolutely critical humanitarian needs now are obviously search and rescue, much of which is initially being carried out by local people and organisations, shelter, clean water and medical assistance.’ Christian Aid partners in Haiti are very experienced in emergency response work and are working round the clock to meet the urgent humanitarian needs. They desperately need to provide clean water, food, medicine and blankets as they cope with the devastation. Christian Aid partners have experience in emergency response and rehabilitation and have successfully been involved in distributions in previous emergencies. In response to the earthquake our partners will be providing emergency relief in some of the worst affected areas and targeting the most vulnerable people, including babies and children. Christian Aid will work with local government and NGOs in the area to avoid duplication of work and strengthen relief efforts. Please send a donation today. A gift of whatever you can afford will help save lives: • £216 could buy 6 hygiene kits containing essential hygiene items • £700 could buy 100 tarpaulins to provide shelter • £2108 could buy 20 food baskets containing canned food, flour, rice, sugar and cooking oil for 2 weeks for 6 families As well as meeting the immediate needs of survivors your donation will be vital in helping people who have suddenly lost everything to rebuild their lives as quickly as possible. We urgently need your support today to ensure we can continue helping people in Haiti – now and in the future. Please help us by making a donation at www.christianaid.org.uk/haiti-appeal