SILVER SPRING, Md. -As the humanitarian crisis continues to grow in quake-hit Haiti, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has expanded its relief efforts by committing $1 million worth of emergency aid to assist survivors in the hardest hit areas.
"As an organization, we recognize the urgency that this disaster demands, and press forward to meet the most immediate needs of survivors," said Charles Sandefur, president of ADRA International. "We will continue to do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of those affected in this incredible tragedy."
As part of ADRA's immediate response, an emergency assessment team also traveled to Port-au-Prince to begin coordinating the distribution of aid in the region. The group is expected to arrive in Haiti on Friday, January 15, to support the operations on the ground.
"On our way to Haiti, the expressions of solidarity from everyone we've met have been inspiring. People are encouraging and genuinely emotional regarding the events surrounding the earthquake," said John Torres, a member of the ADRA International team headed to Haiti.
ADRA is partnering with Toronto-based Global Medic to provide medical aid for survivors through four mobile medical clinics, each of which can assist up to 1,000 patients a day. Survivors will receive other emergency items, such as water purification tablets, water treatment packets, and oral rehydration salt units. Water purification units and a portable water tester will also be available. These water treatment methods will provide clean drinking water for an estimated 90,000 people a day.
A donation of medical supplies from Heart to Heart International will help ADRA provide assistance to as many as 800 people. Supplies include antibiotics, vitamins, vinyl gloves, and over-the-counter pain relief medication.
ADRA network offices have already committed an estimated $98,000 toward the Haiti response. Funders include ADRA United Kingdom, ADRA Switzerland, ADRA Norway, ADRA Canada, and ADRA Portugal.
The quake, which struck at 16:53 local time (21:53 GMT) and approximately 10 miles (15 km) southwest of the capital Port-au-Prince, is the strongest to hit Haiti in more than 200 years. It was followed by two powerful aftershocks registering at a magnitude of 5.9 and 5.5, respectively. As a result, the damage to infrastructure, including bridges, buildings, phone and power lines, has been severe.
Updates will be released as ADRA's response efforts expand.
To send your contribution to ADRA's Haiti Earthquake Response Fund, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org.
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ADRA is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.
For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org.
Author: Nadia McGill
For more information, contact:
John Torres, Senior Public Relations Manager
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org