Haiti earthquake update and how to donate

The latest estimates for the death toll at the Haiti earthquake that happening on Tuesday (12.01.10) would make it one of the 10 deadliest earthquakes ever in history. Below is footage from the moment the earthquake struck.

Rescuers continued to pull survivors from collapsed buildings in Port-au-Prince today as aid agencies and the US military raced to tackle the latest problem of the unfolding disaster: a lack of clean water that threatens dehydration and massive outbreaks of waterborne disease.

A team of British rescue workers pulled a mother alive from the rubble of her house last night, 96 hours after she was trapped by Tuesday’s earthquake.

Volunteer group Rapid UK, supported by firefighters from Manchester and Leicestershire, celebrated freeing the 39-year-old after she was trapped in a tiny slither of space when her home collapsed. When she emerged from the gap between the crumpled first and second floors her arm was cut and she was very dehydrated, but she was fully conscious and happy to be alive.

The initial response had been painfully slow as teams were turned back at Port-au-Prince airport, due to chaotic air traffic control. Heavy lifting gear to penetrate buildings took even longer to arrive – in the case of the British firefighters it came on Saturday night, five days after the disaster struck.

The scenes of devastation which have shook Haiti have led to people in the UK giving over £12m to the official relief fund.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he had been “humbled” by the generosity shown by those who had donated money.

Appeals have been broadcast on TV and radio by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which brings together 13 major British-based charities.

The funds it raises will be spent on search-and-rescue operations, medical care, food, clean water, clothes and temporary shelter.

Separately, the government has allocated £2m to deal with “logistical problems” on the ground in Haiti, such as the provision of cars and lorries to distribute aid, and to improve communications links. (Continued below)

Ways to Donate to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal

Online : Donate here

Phone: Call 0370 60 60 900

Text: Text “GIVE” to 70077 to donate £5 to the DEC for the Haiti earthquake appeal. £5 goes to DEC. You pay £5 your standard network SMS rate.

CAF: Donate using your CAF card here.

Post: Please send a cheque made payable to DEC HAITI EARTHQUAKE and send it to DEC HAITI EARTHQUAKE, PO BOX 999, LONDON, EC3A 3AA.

Download the donate by post form and send it to the above address.

Or go to any high street bank or post office quoting Freepay 1449.

For further info and how and why to donate – Click here