Earthquake In Haiti
Thursday, January 14th, 2010 by KarinaThe thoughts and prayers of the entire Congress are with the people of Haiti. The United States and Members of Congress remain committed to helping the Haitian people recover from this latest disaster and rebuild their homes, communities, and lives in the days and weeks to come. The Obama Administration has launched a swift, coordinated and aggressive effort to save lives and support the recovery in Haiti, including an immediate investment of $100 million to support the relief efforts for life-saving equipment, food, water and medicine that will be needed.
To the people of Haiti, we say clearly, and with conviction, you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten. In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you. The world stands with you. We know that you are a strong and resilient people. You have endured a history of slavery and struggle, of natural disaster and recovery. And through it all, your spirit has been unbroken and your faith has been unwavering. So today, you must know that help is arriving — much, much more help is on the way.
Speaker Pelosi today:
On behalf of all Members of Congress, I echo President Obama's message to the Haitian people today: ‘You will not be forsaken. You will not be forgotten.’ In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you.
President Obama is personally focused on ensuring the swiftest possible response to the situation in Haiti and he has made this a top priority for our nation. The American response is being coordinated across multiple agencies of our government and ably led by Secretary Hillary Clinton, U.S SOUTHCOM Commander General Douglas Fraser, and USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah. Members of Congress are committed to helping the Haitian people recover from this disaster and rebuild their homes, communities, and lives in the days and weeks to come.
Our brave men and women in uniform and aid workers are mobilizing to relieve suffering and ensure security. The International Red Cross and other aid organizations are leading a major disaster relief effort and generous Americans are donating significant funding to disaster relief organizations. The rescue, recovery, and reconstruction efforts will be challenging, but Haitians should know that help is on the way from the American people.
This tragedy is not the first to strike Haiti in recent years. The Haitian people have endured the hardship and devastation of poverty, political instability, tropical storms, and hurricanes. These tragedies have helped drive the nation deeper into poverty and create serious challenges for their future. In the coming weeks and months, we will provide assistance that empowers Haiti's institutions and the Haitian people to build a future that is better than the past.
HAITI EARTHQUAKE RESOURCES
Looking For Relatives
Families of Americans living in Haiti who are trying to find the status of their loved ones are encouraged to contact the State Department at 1-888-407-4747. This line is experiencing a high volume of calls at this time, so some callers may receive a recording. To better handle these requests, the State Department has established an e-mail address — send inquiries to Haiti-Earthquake@state.gov.and include the following information:
The full name, date of birth and passport information (if known) of the persons in Haiti you are trying to contact.
Their contact information in Haiti; telephone numbers, email address, hotel name or address (if known)
Your name and contact information, and your relationship to the person in Haiti (parent, spouse, friend etc.)
Any special or emergency circumstances.
A top priority of the State Department is accounting for the thousands of American citizens who are currently in Haiti. US citizens in Haiti have been urged to contact the Embassy via email at ACSPaP@state.gov to request assistance or call the Embassy’s Consular Task Force at 509-2229-8942, 509-2229-8089, 509-2229-8322, or 509-2229-8672.
The Red Cross has also set up a Family Links website managed by the ICRC, in cooperation with the tracing services of the Haitian Red Cross Society and of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies throughout the world, to assist in the process of restoring contact between separated family members:
More Resources
Assistance for Haiti Relief Efforts
The State Department has established a dedicated web page that offers advice for anyone wishing to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake:
The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) provides information
and guidance in support of appropriate international disaster relief:
Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) website»
Haitian Earthquake Relief Fraud Alert
The FBI has issued a fraud alert, reminding Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Tuesday’s earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before responding to those requests. Past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause. Read the alert»