Shortly after 5 pm yesterday (January 13, 2010) a devastating earthquake shook the country of Haiti and all but destroyed the city of Port au Prince. Thousands are feared dead. The country is paralyzed with little information flowing to the outside world because of downed power and communication lines.
The Army's Disaster Service's Coordinator in Haiti, Robert Poff, was driving into the city when the earthquake struck. In a conversation with him on Skype last night he reports that his vehicle began to shake violently and he suspected mechanical problems, but then stones and debris began to fall all around him and the road became impassable. In the valley below he could see buildings crumble and a cloud of dust forming over the city. He will not soon forget the sound of people screaming and crying for help. Bob made his way back to the city on foot and began to survey the damage and establish communication with THQ.
At this time we are not aware of causalities to Salvation Army personnel. Most of the Officers were at DHQ to submit their monthly reports so we are able to vouch for their safety.
There is substantial damage to La Maison Du Bonheur (The House of Happiness) Children's Home and all but one child has been accounted for. It is feared that this child may have tried to go home after the earthquake. La Maison is home for 52 children.
The Divisional Commander's quarters has collapsed and is inhabitable. The Poff's apartment has been severely damaged and is also inhabitable. The Divisional Secretary's quarters, Divisional Headquarters the Central Corps, and the School have been damaged but the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined. The security wall around these properties has been destroyed. All residents of the city were instructed to remain outside for the night because of aftershocks and the fear of damaged buildings collapsing. The city is without electricity, land line and cell communication. Some internet service is available so Skype seems to be a valuable tool right now.
Offers of assistance are coming to us from Territories around the world and I am in communication with International Services at IHQ. It would be helpful if all Territories could post this report on their websites and encourage donors to give through their local or national Salvation Army headquarters who will in turn forward funds for us to make available to our team in Haiti. Other than the need for funds to finance a first response of food and water we will need trained emergency response personnel to assist us with organizing a command headquarters and putting a functional incident Command Team in place. Please work through THQ here in the Caribbean to facilitate effective communication.
As a matter of urgency the Territorial Commander, a Haitian himself, is planning to go to Haiti as soon as possible.
Click here for more information on relief efforts. To donate, visit SalvationArmy.ca.
The Army's Disaster Service's Coordinator in Haiti, Robert Poff, was driving into the city when the earthquake struck. In a conversation with him on Skype last night he reports that his vehicle began to shake violently and he suspected mechanical problems, but then stones and debris began to fall all around him and the road became impassable. In the valley below he could see buildings crumble and a cloud of dust forming over the city. He will not soon forget the sound of people screaming and crying for help. Bob made his way back to the city on foot and began to survey the damage and establish communication with THQ.
At this time we are not aware of causalities to Salvation Army personnel. Most of the Officers were at DHQ to submit their monthly reports so we are able to vouch for their safety.
There is substantial damage to La Maison Du Bonheur (The House of Happiness) Children's Home and all but one child has been accounted for. It is feared that this child may have tried to go home after the earthquake. La Maison is home for 52 children.
The Divisional Commander's quarters has collapsed and is inhabitable. The Poff's apartment has been severely damaged and is also inhabitable. The Divisional Secretary's quarters, Divisional Headquarters the Central Corps, and the School have been damaged but the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined. The security wall around these properties has been destroyed. All residents of the city were instructed to remain outside for the night because of aftershocks and the fear of damaged buildings collapsing. The city is without electricity, land line and cell communication. Some internet service is available so Skype seems to be a valuable tool right now.
Offers of assistance are coming to us from Territories around the world and I am in communication with International Services at IHQ. It would be helpful if all Territories could post this report on their websites and encourage donors to give through their local or national Salvation Army headquarters who will in turn forward funds for us to make available to our team in Haiti. Other than the need for funds to finance a first response of food and water we will need trained emergency response personnel to assist us with organizing a command headquarters and putting a functional incident Command Team in place. Please work through THQ here in the Caribbean to facilitate effective communication.
As a matter of urgency the Territorial Commander, a Haitian himself, is planning to go to Haiti as soon as possible.
Click here for more information on relief efforts. To donate, visit SalvationArmy.ca.
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