Save the Children Assesses Widespread Damage in Haiti, Organizes Emergency Relief for Children and Families
WESTPORT, Conn., (Jan.13, 2010) - Amidst continuing aftershocks, Save the Children staff in Haiti Wednesday assessed damage and the needs facing children and their families after the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Tuesday.
Staff surveyed damage by foot and on motorbike, because many roads remain impassable in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Rubble and collapsed buildings line the streets, and in many neighborhoods half of the homes may be destroyed, Save the Children staff reported.
"The destruction is everywhere and it's still hard for emergency responders to reach many injured people at this point. Countless children and families need safe places to stay as well as basic household items to help them meet their immediate needs," said Ian Rodgers, Save the Children's emergency response adviser, who is currently in Haiti. "This is a major disaster that will require an intensive long-term response."
Save the Children is working quickly to distribute relief kits to families. Hygiene kits will contain such items as toothbrushes, towels and soap, and family kits will include blankets, mosquito nets, and Jerry cans for water. Once shelters have been established, Save the Children will create safe child friendly spaces where children can play and recover from what they've experienced.
Save the Children is committed to addressing the immediate and long-term needs of children and families in the wake of the earthquake. The agency has been working in Haiti since 1985, has provided emergency relief and assistance to Haitian children and families following various recent disasters, including hurricanes and floods.
What You Can Do
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Media Contacts
Wendy Christian, 203-221-3767 (w), 203-255-0512 (c)
Tanya Weinberg, 202-640-6647 (w), 202-247-6610 (c)