Quake-stunned Haitians pile bodies by fallen homes

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haitians piled bodies along the devastated streets of their capital Wednesday after the strongest earthquake to hit the poor Caribbean nation in more than 200 years crushed thousands of structures, from schools and shacks to the National Palace and the U.N. peacekeeping headquarters. Untold numbers were still trapped.

It seemed clear that the death toll from Tuesday afternoon’s magnitude-7.0 quake would run into the thousands. France’s foreign minister said the head of the U.N. peacekeeping mission was apparently among the dead.

More at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/cb_haiti_earthquake

7.0 quake hits Haiti; ‘Serious loss of life’ expected

(CNN) — A major earthquake struck southern Haiti on Tuesday, knocking down buildings and power lines and inflicting what its ambassador to the United States called a catastrophe for the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation.

Several eyewitnesses reported heavy damage and bodies in the streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince, where concrete-block homes line steep hillsides. There was no estimate of the dead and wounded Tuesday evening, but the U.S. State Department has been told to expect “serious loss of life,” department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters in Washington.

More at: http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/01/12/haiti.earthquake/index.html

American Red Cross releases $200,000 in aid to help communities affected by earthquake in Haiti

The American Red Cross has pledged an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by today’s earthquake in Haiti, and is prepared to take further action as local responders assess the situation.

“Initial reports indicate widespread damage in Port au Prince, with continuing aftershocks,” says Tracy Reines, director of international disaster response for the American Red Cross. “As with most earthquakes, we expect to see immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.”

More at: http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=a8712721ea326210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

Where to donate:

Red Cross International Response Fund
https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?4306.donation=form1&idb=533006101&df_id=4306&JServSessionIdr004=1gwpv3gp75.app196a

Help Haiti Now
http://www.helphaitinow.org/

Direct Relief International
http://www.directrelief.org/EmergencyResponse/2010/EarthquakeHaiti.aspx?gclid=CNK93rLPoZ8CFQxbagodt0u5aQ