Stories from the field
Haiti Diary: Chiran Livera
The world is here
February 9, 2010
After a long drive from Santo Domingo, I arrived in Port au Prince. My first impression was that there is life in the city – markets are opened, traffic is high and people are going about their lives similar to any other city. However, the large infrastructure damage by the earthquake has left many buildings destroyed or unsafe to enter leaving people to spend the day and night out in the open.
There is a strong humanitarian presence in the city, not only the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement but the United Nations and other organizations.
As I entered the Red Cross basecamp, I fully appreciate the global response to this disaster. National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have mobilized from all over the world. There are more than 250 aid workers in the camp, but what is impressive are the volunteers. Prior to the earthquake, there were approximately 700 volunteers in Port au Prince, and today there are more than 5,000. It is remarkable and humbling to see Haitian Red Cross volunteers working night and day to help the affected.
There is a big task ahead to help the city’s residents. However, Port au Prince is not my final destination. Tomorrow, I will travel to the cities of Leogane and Jacmel. Both of these cities were affected by the earthquake but have seen less attention than Port au Prince. I will be joining a few Canadian colleagues in undertaking a shelter assessment and working over the next month to address those needs through relief distribution.
Chiran Livera is a Program Officer for the International Emergency Response team at the Canadian Red Cross. A Simon Fraser University alum, Chiran is trained in humanitarian relief management in complex emergencies and also has a facilitation background in international humanitarian law, armed conflict and active global citizenship. Chiran joined the Canadian Red Cross in 2004 and supported International Red Cross relief operations in Sri Lanka following the 2004 tsunami. Chiran will be in Haiti for one month to assists with shelter assessment work and to distribute relief items.
How you can help
The needs in Haiti are great and your support is urgently needed. Please give generously. Canadians who wish to support relief efforts in Haiti may do so by donating online, by calling toll-free 1-800-418-1111 or by visiting any Red Cross office.