Without even having to enter into the worst affected area, in Santo Domingo we are already with people affected by the earthquake. There are people here who sit in searing heat and for the lack of aid supplies, remain hungry and thirsty.
Finding a way into Haiti has been a huge struggle for so many aid agencies in the area. Here in Santo Domingo, we’ve been looking into all the ways we can network with agencies on the ground to travel into Port au Prince and the worst affected area. Fears about security have heightened since raids and lootings have become more common.
It seems here everybody has anecdotes and stories to tell of how the desperation amongst the people has lead to rioting and lawlessness breaking out. We’re going into an area where many people have not received any food or drink since the earthquake struck.
For our aid mission into Port au Prince tomorrow we have gathered our aid convoys together. We’ve been fortunate to find that one of the groups we’ve being working with at the border belong to one of the most important centres of aid delivery; a place which happens to the main mosque in the capital called Al Nur.
Those who have survived the earthquake are using the mosque as a safe haven and hub to serve the entire community affected, from here they come to share food and resources amongst each other and coordinate aid efforts.
With us is Mr Abdul Lateef, a security specialist (one much needed here!) who, with a convoy of 15 people, will be travelling with us and our convoys of food and water supplies. This mosque, Al Nur, is one of four in Port au Prince and caters to the 10,000 strong Muslim population of Haiti. Al Nur is being used as a safe haven for the entire community and many come in to share food and resources amongst one another.
