Oxfam relief reaching Haitians

20/01/2010

Oxfam relief efforts continue to reach more and more survivors of the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti more than a week ago, despite strong aftershocks and rain.

"Challenges remain, there's no question," said Robert Fox, Executive Director of Oxfam Canada, a member of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION. "We must stave off a second wave of disaster, the risk of disease, by ensuring that everyone has access to clean, safe water."

An aftershock measuring 6.1 struck 60 km from Port-au-Prince early this morning, causing traumatized survivors in the capital to take to the streets as buildings swayed. Last night, a 7.3 aftershock shook the slum of Carrefour, where 90 per cent of homes have collapsed.

Rain began falling in the Haitian capital last night, making living conditions more miserable for survivors, many of whom are still sleeping outside to avoid the risk of unstable buildings and homes.

Oxfam staff and partners continued delivering water to the hardest-hit neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince yesterday, reaching 5,000 people in Petionville and Carrefour. Three water sites have been established there. Today, Oxfam expects to reach a further 12,000 people.

"Each day we're able to reach more and more people," Fox said. "There are still challenges, including the destruction of Oxfam warehouses and destroyed roads, the congestion at the Port-au-Prince airport and the aftershocks, but we are committed to the people of Haiti and will be in the country for the long-term.

"Canadian donations are reaching those most desperately in need of clean water and continued support will allow us to reach even more," he added.

Another Oxfam flight left yesterday with 30,000 tonnes of water and sanitation equipment, including water tanks, tap stands, purification tables, buckets and latrine slabs. Another plane is expected to depart Friday with 50,000 tonnes of supplies bound for Haiti.

For more information or to arrange interviews with Oxfam staff in Haiti or Canada, please contact:

Karen Palmer 613-240-3047

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