Trócaire in Haiti

Trocaire is responding to the earthquake that struck south of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince last night and is appealing to the Irish public for funds.

Trocaire in Haiti

Conor O’Loughlin from Trocaire speaks to reporter Jo Smith about the scene that awaited him when he landed in Haiti at the weekend. He gives a moving account of the spirit of the people, whats been lost and how we can help.

Appeal for funds

Click on link to Donate to Trocaire Haiti Appeal or call 1850 408 408/ 0800 912 1200

Trocaire is responding to the earthquake that struck south of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince last night and is appealing to the Irish public for funds.

“Our immediate priority is to save as many lives as possible by rescuing trapped survivors. After that the focus will be getting survivors the shelter, food and cooking equipment they need. Homes, schools, shops and businesses have collapsed in Port-au-prince where over 2 million people live,” said Trocaires emergency programme manager, Maurice McQuillan.

Trocaire is able to respond quickly through our local partners. The number of people affected is expected to rise but we will be ready to help.”

As the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti is ill-equipped to respond to the earthquake and desperately needs international assistance.

Trocaire partner Caritas Haiti runs over 200 hospitals and medical centres in Haiti. They are also skilled in the provision of clean water and sanitation which will be crucial in this response.

Our partners are experienced and prepared to respond to humanitarian disasters in Haiti as a result of the frequent hurricanes there, said Mr McQuillan, but the extreme levels of poverty across the country mean that funds are desperately needed to help the people of Haiti cope in the aftermath of this earthquake.

Our partners are on the ground responding and Trocaire will support them further with whatever funds or personnel necessary, Mr McQuillan said.

Cardinal Brady appeals for prayers and help for Haiti

I offer my prayerful support to the people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake in the early hours of this morning. The images and reports of the scale of human suffering experienced by Haitians has been very distressing, while the speed of devastation inflicted on the capital, Port-au-Prince, has been shocking.

My prayers are with those coming to terms with losing family members and friends. I ask for special prayers to be offered for the injured so that they may find the courage to rebuild their lives, and, that we remember in our prayers those who have died in Haiti due to this catastrophe.

I also ask for prayers of support to those providing emergency assistance and medical treatment to the injured and displaced.

Irish people have traditionally shown immense generosity in supporting relief agencies which give on the ground help to areas of devastation. I ask – while appreciating these are difficult times at home – that we once again show such selflessness in this hour of need for Haiti.

Trócaire, the bishops overseas development agency, has opened an appeal to help relieve the situation in Haiti.

Finally, I wish to reiterate this morning’s words by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, during his general audience address, when he has asked for prayers and support for the people of Haiti.

Pope Benedict said:

My thoughts go in particular to the population hit just a few hours ago by a devastating earthquake which has caused serious loss of human life, large numbers of homeless and missing people, and vast material damage.

I invite everyone to join my prayers to the Lord for the victims of this catastrophe and for those who mourn their loss. I give assurances of my spiritual closeness to people who have lost their homes and to everyone who, in various ways, has been affected by this terrible calamity, imploring God to bring them consolation and relief in their suffering.

I appeal to the generosity of all people so that these our brothers and sisters who are experiencing a moment of need and suffering may not lack our concrete solidarity and the effective support of the international community. The Catholic Church will not fail to move immediately, through her charitable institutions, to meet the most immediate needs of the population.