在加勒比岛国海地本月12日发生强烈地震后，国际社会纷纷伸出援手，表示将向海地提供人道主义援助。美国总统奥巴马13日就海地遭遇强震发表讲话，承诺美国将迅速积极反应，全力帮助海地救灾。以下是他讲话的全文。

　　Here are President Obama’s remarks Wednesday morning on theearthquake in Haiti and rescue efforts, as released by the White House。

　　Good morning, everybody. This morning I want to extend to the peopleof Haiti the deep condolences and unwavering support of the Americanpeople following yesterday’s terrible earthquake。

　　We are just now beginning to learn the extent of the devastation,but the reports and images that we’ve seen of collapsed hospitals,crumbled homes, and men and women carrying their injured neighbors　through the streets are truly heart-wrenching. Indeed, for a countryand a people who are no strangers to hardship and suffering, thistragedy seems especially cruel and incomprehensible. Our thoughts and　prayers are also with the many Haitian-Americans around our country who　do not yet know the fate of their families and loved ones back home。

　　I have directed my administration to respond with a swift,coordinated, and aggressive effort to save lives. The people of Haitiwill have the full support of the United States in the urgent effort torescue those trapped beneath the rubble, and to deliver thehumanitarian relief — the food, water and medicine — that Haitians willneed in the coming days. In that effort, our government, especially　USAID and the Departments of State and Defense, are working closely　together and with our partners in Haiti, the region, and around thew　orld。

　　Right now our efforts are focused on several urgent priorities.First, we’re working quickly to account for U.S. embassy personnel andtheir families in Port-au-Prince, as well as the many American citizenswho live and work in Haiti. Americans trying to locate family membersin Haiti are encouraged to contact the State Department at (888)407-4747. I’m going to repeat that — (888) 407-4747.

　　Second, we’ve mobilized resources to help rescue efforts. Military　overflights have assessed the damage, and by early afternoon ourcivilian disaster assistance team are beginning to arrive.Search-and-rescue teams from Florida, Virginia and California willarrive throughout today and tomorrow, and more rescue and medical　equipment and emergency personnel are being prepared。

　　Because in disasters such as this the first hours and days are　absolutely critical to saving lives and avoiding even greater tragedy,I have directed my teams to be as forward-leaning as possible ingetting the help on the ground and coordinating with our international　partners as well。

　　Third, given the many different resources that are needed, we aretaking steps to ensure that our government acts in a unified way. Mynational security team has led an interagency effort overnight. And toensure that we coordinate our effort, going forward, I’ve designatedthe administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Dr.Rajiv Shah, to be our government’s unified disaster coordinator。

　　Now, this rescue and recovery effort will be complex andchallenging. As we move resources into Haiti, we will be workingclosely with partners on the ground, including the many N.G.O.’s fromHaiti and across Haiti, the United Nations Stabilization Mission, whichappears to have suffered its own losses, and our partners in the regionand around the world. This must truly be an international effort。

　　Finally, let me just say that this is a time when we are reminded ofthe common humanity that we all share. With just a few hundred miles ofocean between us and a long history that binds us together, Haitiansare neighbors of the Americas and here at home. So we have to be therefor them in their hour of need。

　　Despite the fact that we are experiencing tough times here at home,I would encourage those Americans who want to support the urgenthumanitarian efforts to go to whitehouse.gov where you can learn how tocontribute. We must be prepared for difficult hours and days ahead aswe learn about the scope of the tragedy. We will keep the victims andtheir families in our prayers. We will be resolute in our response, andI pledge to the people of Haiti that you will have a friend and partnerin the United States of America today and going forward。

　　May God bless the people of Haiti and those working on their behalf。

　　Thank you very much。