HAITI EARTHQUAKE : IFAW EMERGENCY RESPONDE TEAM TO ALERTA

Our thoughts are with the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck there yesterday. Although no official reports have yet been released, it's clear that many people have perished and been injured. The densely-populated capital of Port-au-Prince was hit particularly hard, and many homes and buildings collapsed or were severely damaged. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to those who have lost family members and friends, and I hope the survivors can find the strength to make it through this most difficult time.I've already been asked if IFAW is planning an emergency response, so I wanted to send you a quick update.As always with disasters like this, the humanitarian rescue efforts will be the focus in the first week or so. The Haitian government will be largely dependent on foreign country support - both financially and physically - and aid offers are pouring in from countries around the world. The immediate priorities will be getting food, clean water, shelter and medical attention to the survivors.After those immediate human needs are met, IFAW's Emergency Response team will be ready to assist the animal victims in any way that we can. I've put the team on high alert, and we've already contacted disaster management officials to offer our assistance when the time is right.I will update you as soon as we know more about any help IFAW might be asked to provide. In the meantime, please join me in keeping the people of Haiti in your own thoughts.Thank you,

Fred O'ReganIFAW

President