 |
| An injured boy receives help from a Red Cross responder. |
Here at the St. Louis Red Cross, we have received a lot of phone calls from people wanting to know more information about the Haiti Earthquake and what they can do to help. So I’ve been gathering as much information as possible to keep our Red Cross friends informed. Below is a summary of the most up to date information. In addition, the St. Louis Area Chapter has created a Frequently Asked Questions page which has everything you need to know about making donations, volunteering, and getting in touch with loved ones. And as always stay tuned to the National Disaster Online Newsroom for the latest information straight from the front lines.
►Here’s what we know about the Earthquake:
-- On Tuesday, January 12, less than one hour before sunset, a 7.3 earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port au Prince, causing catastrophic damage and loss of life.
-- Initial estimates are that up to 3 million people may be affected.
-- Government offices, including the Presidential palace, have collapsed. Hospitals and the local Red Cross office have sustained major damage.
-- Many areas remain accessible as roads are covered with debris and bridges have collapsed. Telephone lines and electricity are still out in many places.
-- The next 48 hours are critical for life-saving operations such as search and rescue and first aid.
►Here is what the Red Cross is doing to help:
-- After committing $200,000 last night, The American Red Cross increased our initial contribution to $1 million to support the relief operation.
-- The American Red Cross also is releasing supplies from our warehouse in Panama that will be able to meet the immediate needs of 5,000 families. Included are tarps, mosquito nets and cooking sets.
-- The American Red Cross is deploying six disaster management specialists to the disaster zone to help coordinate relief. These join the staff we already have on the ground there.
--In Haiti, the local Red Cross worked throughout the night to rescue people from their trapped homes and provide first aid.
-- Priority needs now are food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.
►What you can do to help:
--Make a donation. Donations can be made in the following ways:
Online:
click here or visit
www.redcross.org
By Phone: 314-516-2800
Text to Help: Text the word “HAITI” to 90999, and a $10 donation will be given to the Red Cross through Mobile Accord, the U.S. State Department’s third-party fundraiser.
By Mail: American Red Cross, Attn: Development, 10195 Corporate Square, St. Louis, MO 63132
Michael
Michael Braeuninger is the International Services Supervisor for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.