On Tuesday 12th January, a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the beautiful country of Haiti, including the densely populated capital Port-Au-Prince and the surrounding area. Tens of thousands are feared dead and countless people still remain buried under rubble in the impoverished country. For those who have survived there are fears over the supply of food, water, shelter and medicine.

The Disaster Emergency Commission constitutes 13 humanitarian charities that respond to international disasters, sending medical, food and shelter aid to areas of the world stricken by natural and man-made disasters.

Although there is as yet no accurate assessment of the death toll it is clear that millions of people live in the affected area. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, greatly increasing the risk that people will suffer or die in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Please visit the Haiti Earthquake Appeal website to see how you can help.