The Isle of Man Overseas Aid Committee has responded to an urgent appeal from the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) for the present crisis in Haiti by making a donation of ?60,000 to the appeal.

The 7.0-magnitude quake, Haiti's worst in two centuries, struck on Tuesday 12th January 2010.  The epicentre was just

15km (10 miles) south-west of the densely-populated capital Port-au-Prince and close to the surface. 

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, and this will greatly increase the risk that people will suffer or die in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Communications have been severely disrupted and many roads are blocked with rubble.  The funding provided by the DEC will help ensure that survivors get food, clean water, emergency shelter, medical care and other support.

When making the donation George Waft MLC, Chairman of the Overseas Aid Committee, commented, "The Committee is glad to be able to support the work of the DEC and its member agencies in providing the earthquake survivors with all the humanitarian assistance that they so desperately need."

Further information on this appeal can be found on the Disasters Emergency Committee website www.dec.org.uk or please contact the Secretary of the Overseas Aid Committee on 685207 or at overseas.aid(at)gov.im