People are still texting from under the rubble, but there is little organised help to reach them - rescue teams are inundated with requests for help and some are still operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
The US army believes there are 200,000 dead and the smell from city cemeteries is overpowering.
What is ActionAid doing?
Yesterday, ActionAid distributed 17 cases of reinforced protein peanut butter, giving a meal to at least 2,550 people in Mariani - one of the poorest ares in Port-au-Prince - together with vital medicines. We've also just secured flour, oil and corn for distribution in the next 24 hours and will be providing water purification tablets.
In addition we have ordered tents, blankets, nappies, underwear and other essentials from the Dominican Republic, and found a warehouse to receive the goods. In the coming weeks, we will aim to reach 20,000 people.
ActionAid will also be looking at protection of vulnerable women, children, elderly people and those with disabilities.
Life in Mariani
In Mariani's camps, babies, children and pregnant women are living in improvised conditions - many with nothing to protect them from the blazing sun. Many are injured and there are still a lot of dead bodies rotting in the open air. The water nearby is contaminated with dead animals and there are no toilets. In this small region alone there are around 9,000 people in camps.
Food is a real problem, with very few people able to afford the rising prices and many having no money at all. Many of the banks are now rubble. People are selling fruit, clothes and shoes on the street.
ActionAid sponsored children
ActionAid staff have been trying to find children in Mariani sponsored by ActionAid Italy supporters. The school has been damaged and staff have not been able to locate everyone. Many families are in camps nearby or have left for the countryside, but worryingly some are still unaccounted for.
Many families are living out in the open. All need food, shelter, clothes, and chlorine to purify stream water, though they speak of having had lucky escapes.
Thank you for your generous support of the emergency appeal so far.
photo : ©Moises Saman/Panos/ActionAid.
