| Haiti - MAF UK report |
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Powerful earthquake hits Haiti
 A powerful earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday 12 January, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale. This 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 have been killed, or are missing 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 affected
Mission Aviation Fellowship has three aircraft based in Gonaives, on the west coast of Haiti. 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 Non-essential staff and dependents are now being withdrawn from Haiti. A team of key staff members will remain to coordinate relief efforts.
John Munsell, MAF pilot/mechanic based in Haiti, sent this initial report: 'We have had a MAJOR earthquake in Haiti. Two of our property walls are down. Dust in the air. I am sure that there are untold thousands dead. Cellphones are down for the time being. Please pray for us as life will not be normal for a very long time.'
MAF is assessing the situation as to how it can best assist during the disaster response. After an initial needs assessment is completed, Crisis team Manager Ron Wismer said we will coordi nate 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. Ongoing crises 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 is also experienced in providing vital air support in earthquake-hit areas. Within 24 hours of the massive earthquake that shook Sumatra, Indonesia, on 30 September 2009, MAF was flying in medical supplies and assisting survey efforts to assess the damage. Article from MAF UK website |