Statement by FDP Chair Manny Diaz in Reaction to the Earthquake in Haiti

Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz issued the following statement after a major earthquake registering 7.2 on the Richter Scale hit Haiti early this morning. The country has suffered a series of natural disasters over the past two decades, including several hurricanes and a major earthquake in 2010 that killed over 300,000 people.

“As desperate rescue efforts get under way to save as many lives as possible, we join our friends and neighbors in the Haitian community who are praying for loved ones in towns throughout the country such as Les Cayes and Cavaillon. The climbing death toll has many in our community clinging to hope. My heart goes out to them, and I stand ready to do everything possible to help during this difficult time.

“Sadly, this latest event is part of a string of tragedies that have been ravaging Haiti, such as the 2010 earthquake. Now more than ever the country’s people need our help and solidarity. I thank President Joe Biden for activating USAID and tasking Samantha Power, its top administrator, with coordinating the American response to this tragedy. I also appreciate the President’s foresight in redesignating Haiti as a country whose immigrants benefit from Temporary Protected Status here in the United States.

“At the end of the day, our community, with its contacts and relationships on the ground, will be instrumental in ensuring that aid gets to those most in need in an effective and speedy fashion. I call on all Floridians to join them as we go through the rescue phase and then the recovery phase. Together we can overcome this difficult time.”