A major earthquake has struck Haiti just ten miles from the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Local officials are reporting a catastrophe of major proportions.

Oxfam has long experience in Haiti, and we’re rushing in teams from around the region to respond where our assistance is most needed. Our response will include providing clean water, shelter and sanitation.

Statement from Jane Cocking, humanitarian director of Oxfam on Haiti earthquake:

“At this stage it is too early to tell the severity of the earthquake in Haiti, but the early signs are not good with communications down across the country.

“Oxfam has its emergency response team for Latin America based in Haiti so we are well prepared, with a public health, water and sanitation team in Port au Prince ready to respond. We also have emergency supplies in Panama that we are preparing to send in as soon as possible.”

“We hope to know more in the coming hours. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere where 85% of people already live in poverty, given the desperate needs that people face on a day to day basis, this earthquake is grim news for the poor people of Haiti.”

Kristie van de Wetering, a former Oxfam employee still based in Port-au-Prince described the situation as

“very chaotic with houses in rubbles everywhere. There is a blanket of dust rising from the valley south of the capital.  We can hear people calling for help from every corner. The aftershocks are ongoing and making people very nervous.”

What can I do?

Fundraising: Donate now and help us respond to this emergency. You can also donate in either Salisbury Oxfam shop or by phoning 0300 200 1999.