February 23, 2010

This publication is your opportunity to receive regular updates on the work and the issues that I have been involved with, both in Harrisburg and throughout our community.

Please visit my Web site, www.senatorhughes.com, where you will find a comprehensive overview of our work, various phone numbers and contact information to assist you in solving problems, opportunities to volunteer and assist us in our programs and opportunities to give your feedback.
 

HAITI NEEDS OUR HELP

On January 12, Haiti was struck by a massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake, leaving death and devastation in its wake. Said to be the strongest earthquake to hit Haiti in 200 years, the disaster captured the attention and sympathy of the world as many nations scrambled to do what they could to ease the suffering of the Haitian people. There is still much more to be done.

The president of Haiti has said the death toll from his country's earthquake could reach 300,000 once all the bodies are recovered from wrecked buildings. An estimated additional 300,000 were injured, and an estimated two million are homeless. They also estimate that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings have collapsed or are severely damaged. Officials say 250,000 are in dire need of urgent aid and humanitarian assistance.

The Damage to Haiti’s infrastructure has been catastrophic and extensive. Areas affected include Port-au-Prince, Petit-Goâve, Léogâne, Jacmel and other settlements in southwestern Haiti. Many notable landmark buildings have been significantly damaged or destroyed, including the Presidential Palace , the National Assembly building, the Port-au-Prince Cathedral, and the main jail. The Ministry of Education estimated that half the nation's 15,000 primary schools and 1,500 secondary schools have been severely damaged or destroyed. Other infrastructure including telephone networks, radio station, factories, and museums have been affected.

Amongst the widespread devastation and damage throughout Port-au-Prince and elsewhere, vital infrastructure necessary to respond to the disaster was severely damaged or destroyed. This includes all hospitals in the capital; air, sea, and land transport facilities; and communication.

Over the course of the last 6 or so weeks, we have seen local and international communities alike mobilize to assist in the Haiti relief effort. From the nation’s capital to our own state capital, from our churches to our school rooms, the outpouring of support for the people of Haiti has illustrated the tremendous compassion toward those most in need. And leading by example, our own Governor Ed Rendell personally undertook a critical mission to oversee the safe evacuation and transport of 54 orphans from Haiti to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

I want to use this week’s On the Issues newsletter to provide information and resources for you to support the ongoing relief efforts.

To learn about the U.S. government response to Haiti’s earthquake disaster click here.

The list of agencies helping with relief efforts in Haiti keeps growing. Their no. 1 need? Money. To learn more about how you can help the people of Haiti click here.

To learn more about Philadelphia’s local Haitian community and its response efforts visit http://haitiancoalition.org or http://www.hpphilly.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The impact of a disaster such as the one we see unfolding daily in Haiti will take years, if not decades to overcome. Please remember that the Haitian people’s most immediate needs include security, food, water, and medical supplies. Over time, they also will need the resources to rebuild their country’s infrastructure to write a new and prayerfully a stronger chapter in the annals of Haiti’s history. Let us all continue to care and support the ongoing international relief efforts. Together we can make a difference!