As the world rallies to provide aid to Haiti, persons remain trapped underneath the rubble and ruin, and it feared that the death toll could rise to as much as 100,000. Time is of the essence to save lives and already help for survivors is underway.
President Obama speaking earlier today, January 14th said he has directed that a “swift, coordinated and aggressive effort,” be undertaken and US departments and agencies should make Haiti their top priority at this time. Obama said that the first waves of rescue and relief efforts are already on the ground in Haiti, that the military had secured the airport to receive heavy equipment and that airlifts were being put in place for water, food and other essential supplies.
Obama noted that the US response underway represented “one of the largest relief efforts in recent history” and committed $100 million for an immediate investment in Haiti’s recovery.
“You (Haiti) will not be forsaken, you will not be forgotten,” Obama said. “America stands with you, the World stands with you”.
Obama said that help is arriving and much more help is underway. He noted that US coast guard cutters, doctors, relief workers were already in Port-au-Prince. The 82nd Airborne and the Navy Hospital ship, USS Comfort were being readied to head to Haiti.
The president also said that the had directed Vice President, Joe Biden to meet with Haitian Americans in South Florida on the week-end.
Meanwhile, Bill Clinton, UN Special Envoy to Haiti writing in the Washington Post today, said “what Haiti needs most is money for water, food, shelter and basic medical supplies to bring immediate relief to those who are homeless, hungry and hurt.
Reports though suggest that, one major complication is getting the needed supplies and equipment to the locations where they are needed, speedily.
There are also reports of growing fear on the part of the newly homeless Haitians, who plead for water, food and shelter and where thousands have now become refugees in their own country.
Support has come from countries around the world, including Britain, France, Norway, China, Russia and Brazil, among others. Also assistance has been pouring in from international organizations, foundations and associations, including the World Health Organization, World Food Program, International Federation of Red Cross and the World Bank, which has pledged an additional $100 million to Haiti.
