An earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck Haiti on Tuesday 13th January 2010. It hit the capital Port-au-Prince and other areas of the country. The earthquake was also felt in other countries in the region. The most affected area is Haiti’s West Province with a population of 2.2 million.

Red Cross volunteers in Haiti are currently assisting the injured and supporting hospitals which do not have enough capacity to deal with this emergency.

The Red Cross Red Crescent has pre-positioned relief supplies for 3,000 families in Haiti. In Port-au-Prince there are enough pre-positioned supplies for 500 families, including kitchen kits, personal hygiene kits, blankets and containers for storing drinking water.

A group of experts in disaster response, emergency health and logistics, sent by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, has been deployed to support the Haitian Red Cross in the relief efforts.

Emergency funds have already been released by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, but the sheer scale of this disaster means much more will be needed.

For this reason, the Malta Red Cross is launching an appeal for funds to provide assistance to the victims of this natural disaster.

We appeal to the general public to contribute to this humanitarian cause. Donations can be made directly at their offices at 104, Saint Ursula Street, Valletta, or at their Gozo Branch, Mgarr Road, Xewkija (entrance opposite the post office). Alternatively, donations may be made directly at “Bank of Valletta” in Account number 10206374012.

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