Water Missions International Prepares to Help Haitians in Need

Charleston, SC: January 13, 2010, (PCTV Newsdesk)

Water Missions International (WMI) is preparing 10 water purification systems for immediate deployment to earthquake-stricken Haiti. Each water treatment system is capable of treating 10,000 gallons of water per day, which is enough to provide for the daily needs of at least 5,000 people in a disaster situation. WMI is coordinating with several aid organizations and donors to secure transportation for the systems. Current plans are to transport the systems to Port-au-Prince within the next 48 hours. Due to the extent of damage in this already impoverished country, WMI expects that these initial 10 water systems will be the first of many to be deployed to Haiti for this relief effort.

Four staff members make up Water Missions International's country program in Haiti, which is stationed in Port-au-Prince just 10 miles east of the earthquake's epicenter, a 7.0 on the Richter scale. All four members were in Haiti when the quake struck. WMI has confirmed that at least one staff member was traveling outside Port-au-Prince at the time of the strike. He is safe and unharmed. However, WMI has been unable to contact other staff members and is unaware of their situation and whereabouts.

"This earthquake is a real tragedy for Haiti," explains Jerry Miner, VP of Disaster Response for Water Missions International. "We haven't seen desolation like this since the Tsunami of 2004. The time to act is now. We can't wait. The need for safe water increases with every moment in a situation like this. We urge everyone to give what they can and keep praying."

Water Missions International's existing country program and established relationships in Haiti will allow the organization to be one of the first to reach victims with much-needed aid. Although the relief efforts are already underway, donations are needed to support WMI's emergency work in Haiti. The need is great. Those who wish to help may do so online at www.watermissions.org