14th January, 2010Haiti Earthquake: ADRA Prepares Response
ADRA has been in Haiti for more than 30 years and is working with government and other partners to evaluate and respond to the effects of the disaster. It will work with affected communities to determine how best to support their response efforts. ADRA has already procured millions of water purification tablets, and is continuing to source food, generators, tents and medicines. “This is a significant disaster, which has had a devastating impact on the people, and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected,” said ADRA Australia’s Director of Emergency Management, Chris Olafson. “We are working with relevant partners in the area, including government response agencies, United Nations agencies and other non-government organisations, to assist the people and help them recover from such a terrible disaster.” From its extensive experience in relief and development, ADRA knows that to respond to a disaster of this magnitude it will require at least US$1 million in the long-term to help communities rebuild. However, in the short-term, the ADRA network urgently needs $500,000 in the next 7 days. ADRA Australia has opened a Haiti Earthquake Appeal and is calling for support for their response efforts in the region. Donations can be made to ADRA Australia by calling 1800 242 372 or visiting www.adra.org.au. Donations to ADRA Australia's Haiti Earthquake Appeal will be used to support the immediate disaster response and recovery efforts in the area. If the appeal raises more funds than are immediately needed, donations will be allocated to ADRA Australia's ongoing emergency management activities. The powerful earthquake hit 17km south-west of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, just before 5pm on 12 January local time. Initial reports suggest a high number of casualties and widespread damage, including to hospitals and government buildings. Haiti’s Prime Minister estimates that 100,000 people may have died in the disaster. Haiti is located in the Caribbean. For more information about ADRA’s response efforts, visit ADRA Australia's website. ADRA Australia is a non-government organisation (NGO) engaging in sustainable development projects and emergency management activities for people in need in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. It is a member of the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) and has full accreditation with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). It is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and is a signatory to ACFID’s Code of Conduct. ADRA Australia is part of the international ADRA network, which has a presence in 125 countries. ADRA is the worldwide humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For more information about ADRA Australia, or to sign up for email updates, visit ADRA Australia website.
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