14/01/2010

UK Aid Bound For Haiti

Scores of British aid workers are en route to the Caribbean region of Haiti which has been decimated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

Over 70 rescue specialists, backed by the UK Government, landed in the neighbouring Dominican Republic today.

It is feared the natural disaster, which struck the capital Port-au-Prince, has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

The UK Disasters Emergency Committee is expected to launch an official appeal soon.

British aid teams said they expect to find "widespread devastation" when they arrive in the city later today.

According to the Red Cross, around three million people - almost a third of the population - are in urgent need of aid.

No British causalities have been reported, however, the Foreign Office confirmed 32 UK nationals are believed to be living in Port-au-Prince.

Around half of these people are yet to contact the UK's Haiti Ambassador.

Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive predicted more than 100,000 people had been killed in the disaster.

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said the UK was working alongside the US, the EU and the UN to provide relief to those affected.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he is "deeply saddened" by the rising death toll.

British charities, including Save the Children, are hoping to raise over £3m through TV appeals which will be shown on all major broadcasters later.

(PR/BMcC)

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