MP BACKS APPEAL FOR HAITI EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
MP BACKS APPEAL FOR HAITI EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
Lynda Waltho MP has backed the emergency appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) which brings together leading UK charities such as Save the Children, Oxfam and World Vision, to respond to the devastating earthquake which has struck Haiti.
They have also welcomed the announcement today by the UK government of an immediate £20 million pay-out to aid the victims, as well as the urgent deployment of a search and rescue team comprised of UK fire-fighters.
Lynda Waltho MP said: “The situation in Haiti is a barely comprehendible human tragedy; it’s the poorest countries that are most harshly hit by natural disasters. Haiti needs help and now. The scenes on our television screens have deeply shocked us all.
“The most pressing need is for international search and rescue teams – including fire-fighters from all over Britain - to get on with their work of saving lives – and I applaud their work.
“But at the same time there is an overwhelming requirement for food, water, sanitation, shelter and medicine among the people who have been made homeless.
“That is why I welcome the announcement by Douglas Alexander today that the Department for International Development is providing £20 million to help kick-start humanitarian relief in Haiti.
“It is also at times like these that I am always so impressed by the generosity of people across Britain.
Around $1.6 million will go immediately to the appeal launched by the International Federation of the Red Cross. Other likely priorities for the remainder of the funds include water, sanitation, health, food and shelters. The UK contribution will be divided between a number of international agencies and appeals – dictated by an ongoing assessment of need on the ground.
“I’m not surprised that I’ve already heard from Stourbridge constituents asking how they can help. The best way, is to support the appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee for UK charities who will be undertaking life-saving work in Haiti – you can make a donation by calling 0370 60 60 900 or visiting www.dec.org.uk”
www.dec.org.uk
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