On Tuesday, January 12th, an earthquake of catastrophic intensity, 7.0 Mw, struck the island nation of Haiti roughly 16 miles from capital city Port-Au-Prince. An estimated 3 million people have been affected by the earthquake and its aftershocks, and estimates ranging from 45,000 to 100,000 people have died. 300,000 or more people have been displaced.

Many major buildings and structures have been irreparably damaged, and infrastructure - including roads and phone lines - have made both communication and travel exceedingly difficult and sometimes impossible. Relief is pouring in from numerous humanitarian organizations, but it cannot come quickly enough. Distribution of aid has been slowed by damaged airport terminals and blocked roads, and medical care is hindered by damage to hospitals. The lack of necessary supplies has exacerbated hunger for the people of Haiti, some of whom are even fighting for available food and water.

Continue to follow coverage of the disaster and relief aid here.

People affected by disasters like the recent earthquake in Haiti need your help. Your donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund provides immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help people in need. Your help is urgently needed. Please make a contribution by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visit Red Cross.org.

You can also text HAITI to 90999 to make a donation of $10 to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts.