Haiti Earthquake: How to Help

The Caribbean nation of Haiti was struck by an earthquake yesterday, Tuesday January 12, 2010. Reports say that the capital, Port-au-Prince has been “leveled,” with over 100,000 estimated deaths. Parliament, along with several hospitals, has collapsed. The Red Cross warned that up to 3 million people may have been affected by the quake. “It is a catastrophe,” President René Préval told the New York Times. It’s an understatement to say that in the most impoverished region of the Western Hemisphere, the situation is dire.

But in the worst of times, inspiration can still be found. Less than 24 hours after the natural disaster, which registered a 7.0 on the Richter scale, there has been an unprecedented outpouring of international support, particularly in social media networks. “Haiti” has been at the top of Twitter’s list of trending topics, and many international aid organizations have taken to rallying their troops online, offering a great opportunity to those that want to help but can’t give support on the ground.

How do I keep up to date of what’s going on in Haiti?

The New York Times is posting regular updates about the situation in Haiti on The Lede, their official news blog. You can also follow CNN’s special coverage. Huffington Post is also keeping a breaking news page with coverage regarding the earthquake.

How can you help?

Make a donation: Running a relief program during a natural disaster of this nature does not come cheap. There are several large organizations that are asking for your help:

Red Cross: You can also text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief efforts for Haiti. The amount will be added to your cell phone credit card bill.
Help spread the word through Twitter: RT @RedCross: You can text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts in #haiti.

UNICEF: The United Nations organization “deploy essential aid – including safe water, sanitation supplies, therapeutic foods, medical supplies and temporary shelter materials – as quickly as possible to assist with recovery efforts.” You can assist them by donating here.

Yele Haiti: Established by musician Wyclef Jean, Yele Haiti is offering support to earthquake victims. You can also donate via text by texting Yele to 510 510. $5 will be added to your cell phone bill. Help spread the word through Twitter: RT @wyclef: Haiti is in need of immediate AID please text Yele to 510 510 and donate $5 toward earthquake relief.

More reputable international organizations that are taking direct donations for Haiti relief:

Mercy Corps
Direct Relief International
International Medical Corps
Doctors Without Borders

Cash-strapped but still want to help?

Even if you can’t donate funds, you can still help spread the word. Search Twitter for the latest “Haiti” tweets and help by re-tweeting. If you have a blog, use it. Even getting involved on a small level will have an impact.

[Photo: Daniel Morel/Getty Images via Huffington Post]