Port-au-Prince, Haiti (UCTP Taino News) – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 struck outside of Haiti’s capital yesterday causing mass devastation, injury and death. Aftershocks continued today while a tsunami warning issued for countries with Caribbean coast has been canceled.Government officials from Mexico, Venezuela, Panama, and the United States have already pledged assistance. Celebrities such as musician Wyclef Jean are urging fans to donate to earthquake relief efforts. “We must think ahead for the aftershock, the people will need food, medicine, shelter, etc." said Jean.
International and Regional aid organizations as well as grassroots efforts from Haiti’s Caribbean neighbors have begun to mobilize. The American Red Cross has already released $200,000 in aid and is working directly with the Haitian Red Cross in response.
Commenting on the disaster Roger Hernandez, a representative of the United Confederation of Taino People in Boriken stated “We have heard reports that hospitals are full and thousands have lost their homes.” He continued stating that “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti.”
The UCTP has posted links on its website directly to the American Red Cross International Response Fund for donations.
The earthquake, reported to be its worst in 200 years, affects a country that is one of most impoverished in the hemisphere. Eighty percent of Haiti's population lives under the poverty line, according to the CIA World Factbook.
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