Thousands are feared dead and many are homeless following the catastropic earthquake that has hit Haiti. This is one of the poorest countries on earth, and the developing emergency means suffering and hardship for communities that are already fragile.

 
Nick Guttman, Head of Christian Aid's Humanitarian Division,
explains why Christian Aid need your help

The quake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, struck 15km southwest of the capital Port-au-Prince just before 5pm local time on Tuesday. The Christian Aid office building collapsed and three people, including Christian Aid staff, had to be rescued from the rubble. They are shaken but safe.

80% of Haiti's population live beneath the poverty line. The country's structures were already fragile, and the earthquake has caused widespread destruction to homes and schools, as well as substantial damage to water, electricity and road networks. Thousands are homeless and there is a desperate need for shelter, clean water, food and medicines.

Please help Christian Aid to get emergency aid to people who are truly in need.

Christian Aid partners in Haiti are very experienced in emergency response work, and rebuilding communities which have suffered such disasters. The region is often hit by hurricanes and the partners have succeeded in delivering emergency aid following previous disasters. They are now working 24/7 to meet the urgent needs of the people affected.

Christian Aid have already released £100,000 to its partners in the region. They are hoping to send more and they have launched an emergency appeal to raise £1M to try and meet the neds. Your help is need to save lives in Haiti. Even a small sum can help save lives.

£7 buys tarpaulin to make a shelter.

£13.50 buys baby kits, including food to feed a baby for a fortnight.

£18 buys a food stamp, which will provide tinned food, flour, rice, sugar and cooking oil for a family of four for a fortnight.

You can donate online at www.christianaid.org.uk or by ringing 08080 004 004.