Immediate international assistance is critical for Haiti after yesterday’s magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit near the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Today’s Daily Focus is dedicated to how AQ Online visitors can help.
All reports coming out of Haiti point to a catastrophic loss of life, the widespread destruction of already frail infrastructure and a looming humanitarian disaster. Haitian President René Préval described “unimaginable” destruction in his first public statement since the earthquake, reporting that “Parliament has collapsed. The tax office has collapsed. Schools have collapsed. Hospitals have collapsed.”
Haiti’s capacity to respond to such events is extremely limited and foreign aid and assistance provided by governments and non-governmental sources will be crucial.
AS/COA Online provides a comprehensive list of ways to support relief efforts. One such way is through Yele Haiti, the non-profit organization founded by Haitian musician Wyclef Jean, who spoke with Americas Quarterly for the Fall 2009 issue. Text the word “Yele” to 501501 to donate $5 to relief.
These sites also have compiled lists of organizations currently accepting donations: Six ways you can help in Haiti, Haiti Disaster Relief: How to Contribute.
If you are interested in sponsoring a New York-based team of doctors and paramedics experienced in disaster-relief who are working to get to Haiti, please contact aqinfo@as-coa.org.
Please post your comments here on other ways to help Haiti.