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Church agencies mobilise relief efforts after Haiti quake

Church aid agencies are responding to a major humanitarian disaster in Haiti after the Caribbean nation was struck by a devastating earthquake leaving countless people homeless and possibly many thousands dead, reports Ecumenical News International.

The quake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale and the worst in two centuries, struck 15 kilometres southwest of the capital Port-au-Prince at about 5 p.m. local time on 12 January.

ACT Alliance, a global network of churches and related agencies, reported that offices, hotels, houses and shops collapsed, while the presidential palace lay in ruins. World Council of Churches' general secretary the Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit issued a statement from the grouping's Geneva headquarters urging solidarity with the people of Haiti.

"Once again they have experienced the great burdens of anguish, damage, and death because of a natural catastrophe," Tveit said.

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TAGS: Haiti church aid agencies humanitarian disaster devastating earthquake World Council of Churches Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit

[01/14/2010]

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