A powerful earthquake centered just 10 miles from Port-au-Prince rocked the impoverished nation of Haiti on Tuesday, January 12. The earthquake has severely damaged the densely populated areas in and around Port-au-Prince. It is still too early to confirm the number of casualties, although reports estimate that as many as 200,000 people may have been killed. The full extent of the damage is still unknown.

According to reports, an estimated 3 million residents - about a third of Haiti's population - were affected by the quake. Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, with 8 in 10 people living in poverty. Haiti’s fragile central government, lack of infrastructure, and poor emergency preparedness plans will make recovery efforts more difficult.

The Resource Foundation is working to mobilize resources to ensure that support reaches those affected by this tragedy. It has contacted several of its local partner organizations in Haiti, including Esperanza International and others, about their needs and emergency relief plans. Esperanza International sent an emergency team to Port-au-Prince early on Wednesday in order to assess immediate needs.

The Resource Foundation is posting updates about the situation as information becomes available. While reports are still coming in, information flow is being hampered by the fact that transportation is limited and electricity and phone services have not been restored.

Fortunately, many governments and relief organizations are arriving on the scene and have pledged support to address immediate needs. However, reports indicate that the damage and long-term prospects of this impoverished nation are extremely critical. Our associates on the ground are working to identify pressing and mid- to long-term needs. The value of the damage is immeasurable. At this time, funding is required for the following:

• Infrastructure improvements and/or reconstruction
  
• Shelter and housing
• Salaries for emergency personnel
• Basic living necessities
• Support for transportation and logistics
• Emergency supplies

Help us respond to this emergency in Haiti >>

Update: The Resource Foundation's President & CEO provides an update on how donors can safety and effectively provide support for Haiti's earthquake victims on Fox 5's Good Day New York. Watch the video >>

Source: U.S. Geological Survey