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Haiti Nightmare.

January 14, 2010 By

U.S. Geological map of Haiti earthquake. USGS.

A Huge quake measuring 7.0 rocked the impoverished Caribbean nation of Haiti Tuesday toppling buildings and causing widespread damage and panic.

The U.N. says rescue workers and relief goods are pouring into Haiti from around the world, but aid workers are running into huge problems reaching people trapped under buildings or feeding hungry survivors. U.N. spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs called quake-hit Haiti a logistical nightmare.

The World Food Program said today that damage to Haiti’s port in the capital Port-au-Prince is preventing ship deliveries to quake-struck region. It said the city’s airport is open but straining to handle dozens of incoming flights of supplies and rescuers.

Desperate quake survivors, fearing more temblors, are also standing in the middle of roads and slowing the transport of food and other crucial aid. The World Health Organization said heavy damage to at least eight Port-au-Prince hospitals is slowing doctors’ ability to treat the thousands of injured.

The American Red Cross is sending money, supplies and staff to Haiti to support relief efforts there after yesterday’s earthquake, which caused catastrophic damage and loss of life.According to reports, as many as three million people may have been affected by the quake, which collapsed government buildings and caused major damage to hospitals in the area.  (source AP).

The Red Cross is contributing an initial $1 million from the International Response Fund to support the relief operation, and has opened its warehouse in Panama to provide tarps, mosquito nets and cooking sets for approximately 5,000 families.

In addition to Red Cross staff already in Haiti, six disaster management specialists are being deployed to the disaster zone to help coordinate relief efforts. At this time, the American Red Cross is only deploying volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. There has been an outpouring of support from the public.

To help, people can make an unrestricted donation to several institutions:

  • RED CROSS 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). The public can also help by texting “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Funds will go to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
  •  Mercy Corps You could access the web page and donate directly, or call 1-888-256-1900.
  • UNICEF You can donate directly to the Web Page or by phone 1.800.FOR.KIDS (1.800.367.5437).
  • The Archdiocese of Miami accepting donations at Catholic Charities Attn: Earthquake Victims, 1505 Ne 26th St. Wilton Manors, FL. 33305
  • Earthquake Fund is a grassroots movement that builds global awareness for Haiti while helping to transform the country through programs in education. You can also text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.

Americans looking for information about family in Haiti can call the State Department hot line at 1-888-407-4747.








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About Adriana Ramos

She holds a Bachelors Degree in International Relations from the Universidad Iberoamericana (Mexico). She has worked in administrative, design, human resources, accounting, and analysis positions for companies as diverse as Avalon Steel Corporation, CSC Continuum-Computer Science Corporation (CSC), Laboratorios Chalber, in the public sector, Mexico’s Foreign Relations Ministry (S.R.E.); Social Media and Marketing Specialist for Non-Profit Organizations as U.S. National Committee of UN Women, East Florida Chapter and Founder Board Member of U.S. National Committee for UN Women Miami Chapter; Founding Board Member Arsht Families Culture for Kids. She is founder of ideas4solutions organization, which has several collaborators from Latin America.