15 January 2010
The earthquake which struck Haiti on Tuesday measured 7.0 on the Richter scale and has been followed by a series of aftershocks, some of which have also been strong.
It is feared that thousands, possibly tens of thousands of people may have been killed with up to 3 million people displaced in what is Haiti’s strongest earthquake for over 200 years.
The epicentre of the quake was just 10 miles south-west of the capital Port-au-Prince. The city has been badly damaged.
MAF has 3 aircraft based in Port au Prince. Our team of 21 staff has been affected by the incident. One local staff member is feared dead and two are missing. All international staff are safe. Non-essential staff and dependents are being withdrawn from Haiti. A team of key staff members will remain to coordinate relief efforts.
Disaster response is an MAF area of expertise. After an initial needs assessment is completed, Crisis team Manager Ron Wismer said we will coordinate logistics and provide air transportation for aid agencies working within Haiti. In times of disaster, MAF often takes government and relief officials on flights to survey and assess damage and develop a response plan.
MAF expects to work with organisations like Samaritans Purse who are well experienced in disaster response and have a local partner on the ground. Samaritans Purse has begun to provide emergency materials and medicines. A number of teams, including medical staff are now on the ground to assist with the disaster response. They are concentrating on 4 key areas – clean water, temporary shelter, medical care and hygiene materials.
This disaster follows the widespread devastation caused by a series of hurricanes in September 2008. With roads cut off and damaged, MAF’s Cessna aircraft flew essential emergency relief supplies to cut-off communities across the country.
MAF operates over 120 aircraft in more than 35 countries in the developing world. MAF has been operating in Haiti since 1986 and is committed to providing long term support.
Notes to Editors
Founded in 1945, MAF has been overcoming barriers in some of the world’s poorest nations for over 60 years. MAF is a lifeline to those who live cut off, deprived of the basic necessities of life. MAF works in more than 35 countries, partnering with over 1,000 relief, development and mission agencies.
MAF UK’s head office is in Folkestone, Kent.
For further information about MAF, go to www.maf-uk.org
Contact Emma Stewart
Telephone 01303 852813
Email: Emma.Stewart@maf-uk.org