Earthquake Devastates Haiti, Here’s How You Can Help

Yesterday a devastating 7.0 earthquake ripped through the poor island nation of Haiti, causing enormous structural damage and leaving thousands dead, wounded and trapped underneath the rubble. Particularly hard hit was the country's capital Port-Au-Prince, which Haiti's president Rene Preval says is in ruins:

“Parliament has collapsed,” Préval said in an interview with the Miami Herald. “The tax office has collapsed. Schools have collapsed. Hospitals have collapsed. There are a lot of schools that have a lot of dead people in them. All of the hospitals are packed with people. It is a catastrophe.”

Since lines of communication have largely been cut there's currently no way to estimate the total death toll, but the United Nations says it fears thousands are dead.

The international community has responded strongly to the crisis, including President Obama, who has pledged extensive aide. In addition, Wyclef Jean, who has been working to improve conditions in his native Haiti for years through his Yele Foundation, has been spearheading relief efforts.



It's at times like these that we remember how much we have, and how much we can do to help those who are suffering. To make a donation to the Yele Foundations Earthquake Relief Fund, in whatever amount you can, please click here. The International Red Cross is also accepting donations here.