21 January 2010

Celina, the first of three babies born so far in the Salvation Army clinic, with her mother, Linda Daumond

FOR more than a week the people of Haiti have been trying to cope with the pain and suffering caused by a devastating earthquake. As often in such circumstances, local Salvation Army personnel were immediately on hand to assist people, despite experiencing agonies, bereavements and losses of their own. The more than 700 Salvation Army workers are now being supported by international team members who have experience of working in disaster relief situations.

The international personnel deployed to the scene are based in the capital, Port-au-Prince, at The Salvation Army compound in St Martin.

Lieut-Colonel Lindsay Rowe (Chief Secretary, Caribbean Territory) says the area The Salvation Army is working in is considered to be one of the most dangerous in Port-au-Prince. For security reasons the press have been warned by local authorities to keep clear but this has meant that The Salvation Army has had little coverage in the international media reports from Haiti.

The sports field behind the Salvation Army compound in Port-au-Prince, home to almost 12,000 people Salvation Army volunteers distribute rice and beans at The Salvation Army’s compound in Port-au-Prince Part of a large crowd awaiting the distribution of meals and food packages Captain Jean Laurore Clenat, District Officer for South Haiti, translates as a doctor examines a patient at the clinic in Delmas, Port-au-Prince

The Salvation Army has had a ministry in St Martin for 60 years and the movement is well respected and appreciated. The compound includes administration buildings, worship halls, a school, children’s home, a feeding programme and a medical clinic. Many of the buildings were badly damaged and some rendered completely unusable by the earthquake. Nevertheless, the area is being well used to coordinate the emergency response, food distribution, medical services and general care and support of local people.

The Salvation Army clinic is at full stretch due to the many people in need of medical attention and aftercare. The clinic is on the same compound as the distribution and feeding centre.

Lieut-Colonel Rowe says: 'It is amazing how well things were organised in such a short time. Immediately after the earthquake the clinic began functioning as a triage station, with victims showing up immediately for treatment. A medical team from the USA was able to set up two surgical rooms for major injuries. There are eight doctors working at the clinic and the team treated more than 200 patients on Monday (18 January) and approximately 300 patients on Tuesday. Unfortunately they are running short on supplies.'

In the midst of all the chaos and confusion of a disaster area, the clinic staff are rejoicing in the birth of three babies this week. Lieut-Colonel Mike Caffull, The Salvation Army's International Emergency Services Coordinator from International Headquarters, London, is on site assisting with the organisation of the Salvation Army response.'In a place where there has been so much death and pain,' he says, 'it is wonderful to see the evidence of new life.'
A large sports ground immediately behind the Salvation Army compound has become home to almost 12,000 people, who are gradually creating family spaces. It is very cramped and without essential services. This community is the main focus of the response coordinated by The Salvation Army in Port-au-Prince, although plans are being made for satellite operations in other towns and cities.

To date the team at the compound has distributed food for up to 18,000 people, organised drinking water to be available in the sports field, given out clothing and provided tents. More tents should be arriving soon.

One of the outcomes of the earthquake and the many aftershocks is that the local population is too afraid to enter any buildings. Most people continue to live and sleep outside on streets, in parks and in compounds away from any potential danger from falling masonry. Yesterday (20 January) an aftershock measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit the region, causing new problems for relief workers in their attempts to distribute much-needed food and water.

Major Hubert Murat (corps officer [church minister] at Port-au-Prince Central Corps) says: 'It is tragic to see so many of the people in our immediate community suffering so much and coping in primitive conditions. We are doing our best to deal with their immediate needs and our officers in the city are coming alongside them with pastoral support.'

Lieut-Colonel Caffull has been amazed by the resilience of the local people who are endeavouring to try and live as normally as possible in the aftermath of the earthquake. He reports that markets are operating, small businesses are re-opening and new ones starting. Despite shortages of essentials, he says, people are calmly seeking the best way forward.

The team is in urgent need of medical supplies, food, water and personal hygiene items. The Salvation Army in Jamaica has prepared four large containers, to join a shipment from Food for the Poor. The containers will be shipped by boat from Kingston to arrive at either Cap Haitia or Port-au-Prince. Salvation Army divisions throughout the Caribbean Territory are joining with other churches and non-government agencies to raise funds and provide supplies for shipment to the team in Haiti.

Because of the security situation The Salvation Army is delaying the deployment of additional personnel except for those with specific emergency response experience. Lieut-Colonel Rowe is grateful for the number of Salvationists and friends around the world who have offered to help in Haiti but he urges patience for now in the knowledge that 'The Salvation Army is committed to long-term support and redevelopment of Haiti'. He assures qualified volunteers that 'their services will be utilised as the situation improves'.

The international Salvation Army and public have responded generously. Colonel Onal Castor, Territorial Commander for the Caribbean Territory, says: 'My officers are so encouraged by the support they are receiving from the international Salvation Army.'

Lieut-Colonel Caffull concludes: 'The problems are great – the need at times overwhelming. We know that people want to help but, at present, the best way is by giving financial assistance and by continuing to pray for the people of Haiti and those trying to help them.'

 

 

 

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