Haiti Earthquake - update!

Haiti Earthquake and World Vision’s Response

World Vision declared a Category 3, Level 3 (the highest emergency response committed by the organization in times of great calamity), as World Vision dispatched 18 metric tons of life-saving supplies from its warehouse in Denver, USA to the Latin American nation of Haiti, which was hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake last January 12.

These supplies and others already pre-positioned by the WV will help meet the immediate survival needs of those affected by the quake until rebuilding efforts can begin.

“When emergencies like this earthquake happen, it is critical that people gain access to basic supplies as quickly as possible,” said Amanda Pennington, communications officer for World Vision’s Global Pre-Positioning Resource Network. “We keep supplies like these ready at all times in warehouses around the world, so that we can move immediately when emergencies like this happen anywhere.”

The shipment includes the following supplies:

    * tarpaulins for temporary shelter
    * blankets
    * collapsible water containers
    * hygiene kits, which include a month’s supply of toilet paper, sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, body soap and laundry soap for a family of five
    * cooking sets, which include aluminum pots and pans, bowls, utensils

World Vision has been working in Haiti for some 30 years and presently helps over 50,000 sponsored children. World Vision Haiti currently has 370 staff members in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, when the quake hit. While World Vision’s office in the capital sustained significant damage, all staff were confirmed safe and are initiating a response to the devastation.

World Vision is present in almost 100 countries, serving over 4 million people in poor communities’ worldwide, providing relief in times of emergency and disasters, transforming communities through holistic development work, and promoting justice and a voice for the vulnerable sector through advocacy.

Aid rushed to orphanage in Port-au-Prince

Report and photos by James Addis, World Vision U.S.

World Vision rushed immediate supplies of food, water, and children's multi-vitamins to an orphanage in the Delmas area of Port-au-Prince after its directors appealed for assistance.

The orphanage had not had supplies of clean water for two days, was running out of food, had no electricity, and was overcrowded. It originally housed 65 orphaned children but took in 36 more from another orphanage damaged in the quake.

A heartbreaking scene

Dozens of forlorn orphaned children pressed up against World Vision staff members when they entered the orphanage gates. They lifted up their arms, begging to be picked up.

Inside, many children stared listlessly from cots. As darkness fell, others simply lay down and slept haphazardly on the floor or on large mats.

Caregiver Charitable Mifort said the orphanage had been buying bottled water and food from local markets, but skyrocketing prices was making it impossible for the orphanage to provide for all the children. When the water ran out, caregivers resorted to boiling water from a local river.

Infection quickly spread

World Vision Nurse Delide Jean-Baptiste noted that most of the orphaned children were malnourished, possibly due in part to their bodies harboring parasites, and many were suffering from scabies. At least two were suffering from vomiting and diarrhea.

Delide said the overcrowded conditions made for unhygienic conditions at the orphanage. She noted many of the cots held more than one child -- making it easy for them to infect each other with disease.

After World Vision's team dropped off the relief supplies, they were hugged and kissed by tearful caregivers, who kept repeating their thanks.