Navy heads £1m UK aid for Haiti
THE Navy is being dispatched to Haiti to assist with earthquake recovery.
The Government said it is sending Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Wave Knight to back the humanitarian response and giving £1million in aid.
More than 1,900 people were killed by Saturday’s 7.2 magnitude quake, with Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency saying the number injured has reached 9,900.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The Caribbean can rely on the Royal Navy to come to their aid when disaster strikes.
“The Royal Navy has a proud history of supporting British Overseas Territories and other partners in the Caribbean during hurricane season.
“I’m proud that the UK can now play a part in the US effort to respond to the devastating earthquake.”
The tanker will serve as a landing pad for American military helicopters.
Experts from the UK’s Emergency Medical Team will be deployed to Haiti this week to identify what health support is needed.
Minister for the Caribbean Lord Ahmad said: “It is at times like this that the international community must come together to help those in crisis.
“The UK’s support will add to Haiti’s efforts to provide emergency disaster relief to those most vulnerable, including access to vital healthcare and sanitation.”
The new funding is on top of £5.8million given to the UN as it tackles the crisis and £850,000 to relief charities.