FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 January 2009
World Vision launches Haiti Earthquake Appeal
World Vision Australia has launched an appeal to assist survivors of the powerful 7.3 magnitude
earthquake that struck Haiti today.
World Vision immediately deployed rapid response teams in Haiti to assess the damage and the
agency is preparing a relief response for survivors in affected areas.
“World Vision will respond swiftly to this disaster,” said Anthea Spinks, the Policy Advisor from
World Vision Australia’s Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs team.
“We have relief goods prepositioned in various locations across the country, though the
challenge will be getting those supplies to those in need, with severe damage to roads and
infrastructure,” said Spinks.
“We would be very concerned about a quake of this magnitude anywhere in the world, but it is
especially devastating in Haiti, where people are acutely vulnerable because of poor
infrastructure and extreme poverty.”
World Vision has been working in Haiti for more than three decades and currently assists more
than 300,000 people through long-term development programs and other work.
Describing the initial tremor, World Vision staff member in Haiti, Magalie Boyer said: "It felt as
if a truck had hit a wall. There is extensive damage in the city. People are getting ready to spend
the night in the streets. They are not comfortable staying in their houses."
"World Vision Haiti will distribute first aid kits to survivors, along with basic materials such as
soap, blankets, clothes and bottles of water as an initial response," Boyer added.
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To arrange an interview please contact:
Michelle Rice / Media / World Vision Australia
0402 503 227
Dominic McInernery / Media / World Vision Australia
0428 584 809
NEWS 
