Red Cross experts report from Haiti

Irish Red Cross Delegate Joe Lowry is currently in Haiti acting as Communications Manager for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), while Beneficiary Communications delegate for the Irish Red Cross in Haiti, Will Rogers, arrived in Haiti last Thursday (21 January) and has been assessing the needs of those affected by the earthquake.

"At one of the main hospitals there was a reasonably strong smell of decomposing bodies, I later found out that there were a number of bodies in a training centre across the road. Apparently a group of young women training to be nurses were killed there. The smell of the bodies stuck with me most of the day, even though I hadn't touched anything it seemed to stay in my nostrils," said Will Rogers speaking from Port-au-Prince last night describing the devastation in the capital.

With an estimated 110,000 people dead, the Red Cross in Ireland is working closely with its staff in Haiti to ensure that emergency supplies are delivered to those coping with the disaster in the most efficient way possible.

Noel Wardick, Head of the International Department, Irish Red Cross explained, "Red Cross teams in Haiti have been working since the disaster struck to provide tarpaulins, tents, blankets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets and jerry cans to almost 13,000 people, as well as distributing more than 2 million litres of water in Port-au-Prince and Leogane. Another 40,000 people will receive relief items in the coming days."

The Irish Red Cross announced this weekend that it had raised over €1 million in its Haiti Appeal thanks to the Irish public’s generosity in the wake of the disaster. However, funds are still urgently needed. Donations are being accepted online or by calling 1850 50 70 70. or by calling 1850 50 70 70.

Background

• The earthquake struck on Tuesday (12 Jan) at 12:00 local time, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale shook the capital of Port-au-Prince and other areas of the country, with Haiti’s West Province (pop. 2.2m) most affected.
• A powerful 6.1 aftershock was felt throughout Port-au-Prince on Wednesday (20 January), with the epicentre near the town of Jacmel. Though this new tremor caused much fear, some injuries and some damaged structures to collapse altogether, there were no reports of deaths or other serious situations. It is thought that aftershocks will still continue to be felt for some time.

Notes to Editor

Irish Red Cross delegates Joe Lowry (Irish) and Will Rogers (Australian) are currently in Haiti and are available for interview.

The Irish Red Cross spokespersons:

1. In Haiti
   
   • Joe Lowry, (Irish) External Communications, IFRC. Currently based in Haiti and is available for interview. Satellite phone: 00 88 165 14 12 511.
   • Will Rogers, (Australian), Irish Red Cross Beneficiary Communications Delegate. Tel: 0062 28 12 69 000 708.
2. In Ireland
   
   • Noel Wardick, Head of the International Department, Irish Red Cross.
   • Declan O’Sullivan, Acting Secretary General, Irish Red Cross.
   • Tony Lawlor, Acting Chairman, Irish Red Cross.
3. In Geneva
   
   • Paul Conneally, (Irish) Head of External Communications, IFRC. Tel: 0041 79 308 9809. Paul has just arrived back in Geneva after spending over a week on the ground in Haiti.

How you can help

Donations are being accepted online or by calling 1850 50 70 70. or by calling 1850 50 70 70.

Cheque and postal orders should be marked for the relevant appeal and made payable to:
Irish Red Cross,
16 Merrion Square,
Dublin 2.

For media enquiries please contact Ms. Pia Ward on 087 – 7433 275 or alternatively Mr. David Curtin on 086- 283 2123 to arrange an interview.