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First minister backs Haiti appeal First minister backs Haiti appeal
(10 minutes later)
The first minister is calling on the Welsh public to support an appeal to help victims of the Haiti earthquake.The first minister is calling on the Welsh public to support an appeal to help victims of the Haiti earthquake.
Carwyn Jones urged people to contribute to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal, which has already raised more than £2m.Carwyn Jones urged people to contribute to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal, which has already raised more than £2m.
Mr Jones said: "The pictures from the island of Haiti are heartbreaking. It is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere."Mr Jones said: "The pictures from the island of Haiti are heartbreaking. It is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere."
Tuesday's earthquake has left as many as 45,000-50,000 people dead.Tuesday's earthquake has left as many as 45,000-50,000 people dead.
The DEC, an umbrella organisation that co-ordinates responses to major disasters overseas, thanked the British public for their contribution to its appeal so far.The DEC, an umbrella organisation that co-ordinates responses to major disasters overseas, thanked the British public for their contribution to its appeal so far.
We are delighted at the generosity that the Welsh people have shown so far Jeff Collins, DEC Cymru chairmanWe are delighted at the generosity that the Welsh people have shown so far Jeff Collins, DEC Cymru chairman
Among the donations was an undisclosed amount from the Queen.Among the donations was an undisclosed amount from the Queen.
Mr Jones said: "Our thoughts are with the people who have lost friends and relatives and who are continuing to suffer as a result of the enormous damage caused by this earthquake.Mr Jones said: "Our thoughts are with the people who have lost friends and relatives and who are continuing to suffer as a result of the enormous damage caused by this earthquake.
"The best way people in Wales can ensure that they get help to those in the most desperate need is to donate via the Disasters Emergencies Committee appeal so I would urge people to contribute what they can to this appeal."The best way people in Wales can ensure that they get help to those in the most desperate need is to donate via the Disasters Emergencies Committee appeal so I would urge people to contribute what they can to this appeal.
"Firefighters from mid and west Wales are already on the island as part of a UK team helping with the rescue effort and I am proud that Welsh people are playing a vital part in this massive humanitarian effort." "Firefighters from mid and west Wales are already on the island as part of a UK team helping with the rescue effort and I am proud that Welsh people are playing a vital part in this massive humanitarian effort." class="bodl" href="/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8460106.stm">Welsh rescuers help victims
Communications problems
Early reports indicate that up to 3m people have been affected by the earthquake, which is the equivalent of the population of Wales.Early reports indicate that up to 3m people have been affected by the earthquake, which is the equivalent of the population of Wales.
DEC Cymru chairman Jeff Collins said: "We are delighted at the generosity that the Welsh people have shown so far even before our major television and radio appeals hit the airwaves.DEC Cymru chairman Jeff Collins said: "We are delighted at the generosity that the Welsh people have shown so far even before our major television and radio appeals hit the airwaves.
"Efforts on the ground have been hampered by a lack of power and communications problems after the devastating quake but aid is starting to get through and DEC members are working hard in the field."Efforts on the ground have been hampered by a lack of power and communications problems after the devastating quake but aid is starting to get through and DEC members are working hard in the field.
"Our message to the Welsh public is: thank you for your efforts so far but it is vitally important that people continue to donate to increase the amount of aid that can be delivered to help the millions of people affected by this terrible earthquake.""Our message to the Welsh public is: thank you for your efforts so far but it is vitally important that people continue to donate to increase the amount of aid that can be delivered to help the millions of people affected by this terrible earthquake."
Money donated to the DEC - which brings together 13 major British-based charities - is being spent on search and rescue, medical care, food, clean water, temporary shelter and clothes.Money donated to the DEC - which brings together 13 major British-based charities - is being spent on search and rescue, medical care, food, clean water, temporary shelter and clothes.