Survivors ‘sleeping next to dead bodies’

EARTHQUAKE survivors are sleeping next to bodies of people dead on the streets as an eerie silence grips the Haitian capital, Port au Prince.

This is the word from Dublin charity Haven which confirmed yesterday that all of its staff and beneficiaries in Haiti are alive and well, following the earthquake. It said the houses that were built by Haven volunteers in October last year are all still standing.

“The first personnel from our joint emergency response with Irish NGO GOAL arrived in Port au Prince on Wednesday and more will be arriving there in coming days. They are assisting our Haitian staff and partner organisations on the ground with the relief effort,” said a Haven spokeswoman.

She said reports from the team on the ground are “very grim”.

“They tell us that the capital has been totally devastated. Bodies are piling up on the streets and most people are too afraid to venture into buildings, like hospitals or their homes, that have been damaged by the earthquake,” she said.

Haven also said that medical supplies are reported to be running low and water is scarce.

“The next 48 hours are critical,” the spokeswoman said.

Haven is continuing with its appeal for funds to assist with the relief effort.

It is also continuing with efforts to recruit volunteers for a house building week in April.

* Donations can be made online on www.havenpartnership.com or through our Bank of Ireland (account number: 41877036 and sort code: 90-09-73).