Thousands of people are dead and countless more homeless after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. This small country is one of the poorest places on earth, and this disaster will create untold suffering and hardship to already vulnerable communities.

The earthquake struck 15km southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince, on 12 January, just before 5pm local time. It is thought to have been the strongest earthquake in Haiti for more than 100 years. The Christian Aid office building collapsed, and three people, including Christian Aid staff, had to be rescued from the rubble. They are safe and are now working tirelessly to help those who are still trapped, injured and left without home or livelihood.

Eighty per cent of Haiti’s population live below the poverty line. The infrastructure was already fragile, and there has been widespread destruction of homes and schools, as well as major damage to water and electricity supplies and road systems. Thousands of people have been left homeless and are in urgent need of shelter, clean water, food and medicines.
Please help us to bring emergency aid to desperately vulnerable people. Christian Aid’s partners in Haiti are experienced in emergency response and rehabilitation. The region is frequently battered by hurricanes and they have successfully provided immediate relief in previous emergencies. They are now working around the clock to meet the urgent needs of the people affected by this disaster.

Christian Aid has released £100,000 to our partners in the region. We hope to send more and have launched an emergency appeal to address the massive need. We need your support so that our partners can continue to help the people of Haiti. Even a small amount of money will help to save lives.

£7 could buy a tarpaulin to provide shelter.
£13.50 could buy baby kits including baby food for two weeks.
£18 could buy a food stamp, which will provide canned food, flour, rice, sugar and cooking oil for two weeks for a family of four.

You can give online at www.christianaid.org.uk or by phoning 08080 004 004.