This morning, President Obama updated the world on the first phase of US rescue and relief efforts: “At this very moment one of the largest relief efforts in our recent history is moving towards Haiti.”
The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the president acknowledged that few in the world have endured the hardships of Haiti, but offered hope for our neighbors to the South: “To the people of Haiti, we say clearly, and with conviction, you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten. In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you. The world stands with you.”
“This morning, I can report that the first waves of our rescue and relief workers are on the ground and at work. A survey team worked overnight to identify priority areas for assistance and search-and-rescue teams are actively working to save lives… An airlift has been set up to deliver high-priority items like water and medicine.”
Additionally, the US Navy’s hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, currently docked in Baltimore is preparing to deploy to Haiti.
Obama also announced an immediate investment of $100 million to support relief efforts, send more life-saving equipment, food, water and medicine.
“For the sake of the Haitian people who have suffered so much, and for the sake of our common humanity, we stand in solidarity with our neighbors to the south, knowing that but for the grace of God, there we go.”