Jan. 13, 2010 10:03 am
World Concern's disaster response expert Merry Fitzpatrick will leave from SeaTac Airport on Alaska Airlines flight 16 to Miami at 1:15 this afternoon. Media availability will be between 10:30 am and 11:30 am at SeaTac, near the Alaska ticket counter.
This morning, World Concern has heard from one other staff member in Haiti over e-mail. Pierre Duclona directs World Concern's programs in South Haiti, and he said that he was safe and his family was safe, but scattered throughout the region have collapsed because of the earthquake. The e-mail reads in part:
"Les Cayes citizens were terrified yesterday night. Most of them, including my family, slept out (in front of our homes) fearing other major earthquakes. Port Au Prince, the capital city, is largely destroyed. Right (now) I'm alone at the office to inform you."
An initial report from World Concern Haiti indicates that the primary office in Port Au Prince remains standing , though the earthquake destroyed surrounding buildings, some with people still inside. Staff and families of staff were still being accounted for.
"It has just happened and it is their own families that are in the midst of it," said Fitzpatrick
World Concern's staff of more than 100 people has already begun responding to urgent needs. During this initial response, we are providing blankets, emergency shelters and supplies of clean water. There is a very high likelihood that existing water systems will be combined with sewage.
For more information and to donate, visit www.worldconcern.org or call 1-866-530-5433 (LIFE) Contact: Derek Sciba, Marketing Manager 206-713-5564 mobile dereks@worldconcern.org