Haiti earthquake
On 12 January 2010 Haiti’s worst earthquake for two centuries devastated one of the world’s poorest countries. Older people are among the worst affected because many are too frail to overcome the trauma and to fend for themselves.
As part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), Age Concern and Help the Aged are working with other agencies to raise funds and coordinate emergency efforts. This cooperation helps increase the effectiveness of relief work on the ground.
Authorities estimate that up to 3 million people have been affected by the quake. The death toll is now feared to be in tens of thousands.
Essential support for Haiti's older people
(c) Leah Gordon/HelpAge International and Help the Aged 2010
Our sister organisation HelpAge International is in Port-au-Prince coordinating vital supplies to vulnerable older people. Programme Officer, Bertin Meance, has liaised with the city’s Mayor to coordinate help to older people in the Municipal Home and other centres.
Bertin Meance reported that relief teams from the UK and Jamaica have now arrived despite travel difficulties. Our relief teams are essential to older people, as Bertin explains:
'They cannot queue for hours for food and emergency items. Nor are they the loudest demanding to know when aid will come. Our partners on the ground have been working with older people for many years, but they themselves have been severely affected by the earthquake.'
Doctors and nurses from a local partner are providing medical attention. Food and water have already been distributed through local partner CARPA to hundreds of older people, and transport to hospitals is being coordinated.
Mark Gorman, HelpAge’s Director of Strategic Development, is writing a blog, reporting back from Haiti - read Mark's blog
Support the DEC appeal
(c) Leah Gordon/HelpAge International Help the Aged 2010
Over 2.2 million people live in the most affected areas where thousands are feared dead, and many more injured or buried under rubble; the DEC urgently needs your support to help the many people affected.
Please support the DEC appeal
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