Country hit again by massive quake

A Scots aid group has launched an emergency appeal to help those affected by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti.

The devastating earthquake for the country has killed at least 1,400 people and injured around 6,900. Thousands of buildings have been destroyed, including schools, hospitals and other vital infrastructure. 

Alistair Dutton, director of SCIAF, led Caritas’ humanitarian response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti in his previous role as humanitarian director of Caritas Internationalis. 

Through SCIAF’s partners, the charity is able to immediately reach those most in need through its colleagues at Caritas Haiti who are already there, working tirelessly to provide emergency relief where it’s needed the most.

The launch of the appeal lands on World Humanitarian Day which was set up to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.  This day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in memory of the 2003 bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq.

“On World Humanitarian Day, we remember and celebrate the work of those who dedicate their lives to those caught up in crises around the world," said Dutton.

“With this week’s events in Afghanistan, I want to remember those aid workers caught there – local and international. They have seen the country fall into collapse and are now living in fear of reprisal attacks because they worked with the coalition forces and the humanitarian community.

“People have made huge sacrifices to help Afghanistan move on in the last 20 years and they have not only had to watch this work be undone, but now their own lives are at risk. Their sacrifices are like those of many others I have seen people make for humanitarian work, crisis after crisis.

“Today let’s spare a thought for the people who put others before themselves as part of their humanitarian work.”