Blog detail

Haiti

Like everyone I have been staggered by the Haiti disaster, the crisis is catastrophic in nature and apocalyptic in scale. The death toll rises every minute and there are reports of unimaginable conditions on the ground.

We discussed this at Cabinet this morning. What is different about this tragedy is the near total collapse of the Haitian government, unlike in Indonesia after the tsunami where the governing infrastructure, police and army remained mostly intact. That is why the international response is so crucial.

The UK government has now trebled aid and we sent dozens of search and rescue staff immediately. Other nations are also doing their bit particularly the USA who have deployed an enormous military and humanitarian operation. Some may be squeamish about this (some journalists have been sceptical about US aims) but no one else can do the heavy lifting that this tragedy needs. The UN can't do this at the best of times but especially not at these worst of times when a many of their staff have been killed and their HQ destroyed.

But it isn't just up to governments. There has rightly been an enormous peoples response. My local newsagent and my church are amongst those who were collecting money at the weekend. The people of Scotland have responded and shown their generosity by helping to raise more than £1 million to the Haiti Earthquake Appeal managed by the Disasters Emergency Committee.

I am proud of Scotland – at a time when many people are struggling they still have the humanity to help others who are far worse off than themselves. The first week or two is important as the need to deal with the humanitarian needs of water, food and shelter will help reduce further deaths and suffering and help combat the potential threat of disease amongst the survivors. But this is just the first stage, once food, water and shelter issues have been resolved Haiti will still need help from around the world with rebuilding their lives.

This is more than just the buildings and businesses, it means utilities and food supplies – the things you and I take for granted. I am sure that the people of Scotland will still feel the need to assist others in recovering what we take for granted everyday.


Click here for more information on how you can help