Haiti rescue a 3-phase effort

2010-01-14 21:08

Johannesburg - South Africa's assistance to quake-devastated Haiti would be approached in three phases, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation said on Thursday.

"The immediate search and rescue phase in which search teams will be deployed to the Republic of Haiti... will include the deployment of medical professionals," said deputy minister Sue van der Merwe.

The government had partnered with the Department of Health, Vodacom, Netcare and Discovery to support the rescue teams.

"The second phase will entail activities such as the identification of bodies - in this instance the country will send forensic pathologists to participate in the identification of bodies amongst other elements."

"The third and last phase will consist of humanitarian aid, in which the South African government will work with non-governmental organisations such as the Gift of the Givers in order to provide humanitarian assistance where possible."

It was estimated that Tuesday's 7.0-magnitude quake in southern Haiti had claimed the lives of 100 000 people.

Those wanting to assist can contact George Kilian, head of the National Disaster Management Centre on 012 334 0667, or e-mail him at [e-mail]
 

- SAPA