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The poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti, has suffered its most devastating earthquake in over 200 years. An earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck the impoverished island late Tuesday afternoon. It was followed by about thirty aftershocks. Still too early to determine exactly how many people have died, it is estimated that about 3 million people in and around the capital Port Au Prince have been affected. Haitian president Rene Preval said that the death toll is “unimaginable.” Even the Presidential palace and Parliament have collapsed, as well as the United Nation’s mission headquarters. Many of Haiti’s cultural symbols have been destroyed. There is a major fuel shortage, lack of drinking water, and no phone service. A humanitarian catastrophe of untold proportions is unfolding as thousands are missing and many are still trapped under the rubble. With the airport and seaports having suffered damage, it is unclear how international aid may be flown in but early this morning an Air China flight landed in Port Au Prince with medical personnel and supplies. President Obama has promised Haiti the US’s “unwavering support” but did not provide a specific number of aid dollars. The European Union has pledged a little over $4 million while the UN has pledged $10 million.

GUEST: Brian Concannon, Director of the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti

Tax deductible contributions can be made to “Haiti Emergency Relief Fund/EBSC” and mailed to East Bay Sanctuary Covenant, 2362 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704.

Or click here to donate online: http://www.haitiaction.net/About/HERF/HERF.html

For more information about the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, visit www.haitijustice.org.