Millions of people across the country have responded to the emergency appeals for Haiti, and are continuing to give.

As of 4 February, £70 million has been donated to the Haiti emergency appeal coordinated by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). The latest estimates suggest that up to 200,000 people have been killed, and around 1.5 million people are homeless. Amid continuing difficulties in getting supplies to those who need help, the numbers of the injured are outstripping agencies' ability to provide medical treatment.

The Revd John Marsh, moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, says that all we can really do is give and pray. “The grim extent of the effects of the earthquake in Haiti are readily apparent - but it takes a huge leap of imagination to think ourselves into the utterly painful realities of the situation," he said.

"However, by coupling prayer for Haiti with a financial donation we can have a direct impact on the situation there - both the immediate work of rescue, comfort and practical care, and the much longer term commitment of helping to re-establish peoples' lives and reconstruct communities and infrastructure.

"At the simple human level, by getting involved with the emergency and relief effort through giving and praying, we can help address the current overwhelming needs. I urge you to give what you can afford and to pray as much as you can. Now."

To donate to the Haiti appeal, go to:

http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/haiti-earthquake-appeal/index.aspx

http://www.dec.org.uk/

http://www.msf.org/

Haiti earthquake. Photo: Christian Aid	Haiti road scene. Photo: Christian Aid