Life for millions of people in Haiti changed dramatically on January 12, 2010.  Current estimates make 100,000 a conservative estimate of deaths.   By January 15, the Dominican Republic was in the midst of responding to the crisis.  As a staging area for international assistance, the D.R. channeled popular and governmental outpouring of humanitarian aid.  Be sure to watch PPAF’s video on the crisis.

We have uploaded to PPAF’s Flickr photo gallery photos of readily visible external aid.  I spoke with Spanish pilots and firefighters.   The pilots were bringing in heavy equipment in C-130 transports.  The Poles, from the national fire department, are part of the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).

INSARAG is a global network of more than 80 countries and disaster response organizations under the United Nations umbrella.   It responds to urban search and rescue needs.   In addition to fire department work at home, the Polish group had worked in post-earthquake situations in Italy, Turkey and Pakistan.

Dominican Aid

PPAF has uploaded to its YouTube channel a video where I talk with Dr. Virgilio Malagon.  See Haiti Crisis: Dominican and PPAF Response . In addition to his role as adviser to the president of the National Energy Commission, he is a ham radio operator and long-standing volunteer with the National Emergency Commission. 

Malagon said that the D.R. is establishing a buffer zone to accommodate refugees from the crisis.  President Fernandez already traveled to Port-au-Prince to offer Dominican support.  Hardware supermarkets are donating quantities of hammers, shovels, picks and other equipment for Haitians seeking loved ones by hand, and lumber and other construction materials to start the reconstruction process.  The D.R. started a campaign for 100 pesos for Haiti, to encourage individuals to donate funds.  It had raised the equivalent of US$ 500,000 in a couple of days.

PPAF Role

We are mobilizing immediate and longer-term support through partnerships.  We encourage readers to see our blog of January 15 and to make contributions to Airline Ambassadors International and to Project C.U.R.E.  They obtain donated materiel and medical supplies and equipment and deliver this to areas in need.

In the coming months PPAF will work with its partners to establish jobs and other income generating activities that are crucial to help Haiti move beyond this crisis.  Planning and outreach have already begun.   PPAF partners have offered biofuel and generators, construction engineering consultancy and management, and links to various potential financial and professional resources.

Please consider giving to PPAF for its work in intermediate rebuilding of Haiti.