1.  How can I communicate or reach my loved ones in Haiti?
2.  Which areas are affected?
3.  How many people died?
4.  Where can I donate funds or my time to support this cause?
5.  Where can I donate in-kind goods?
6.  Who can travel to Haiti?
7.  What countries are supporting the effort thus far?
8.  How should I talk to my children about the earthquake disaster?
9.  How can I help someone through the grieving process?
10. What causes earthquakes?
11. What are aftershocks and what causes them?

1.  How can I communicate or reach my loved ones in Haiti?
Resources are available through the Embassy of Haiti in Washington:

2311 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.  
Washington, DC 20008  
Tel.: 202-332-4090 
Fax: 202-745-7215
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://www.haiti.org

Hours of Operations
M-F: 9:00am - 4:00pm

You can Submit or Request Survivor Information on the following sites:

Visit http://haiti.ushahidi.com

Visit the State Department’s website at http://www.state.gov/p/wha/ci/ha/index.htm. For missing family, call 1-888-407-4747.  U.S. citizens are urged to contact the Embassy via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to request assistance.

U.S. citizens in Haiti can call the Embassy's Consular Task Force at 509-2229-8942, 509-2229-8089, 509-2229-8322, or 509-2229-8672. People in the U.S. or Canada with information or inquiries about U.S. citizens in Haiti may reach the Haiti Task Force at 888-407-4747.  Outside of the U.S. and Canada, call 202-501-4444

The US State Department has established an e-mail address for people who are trying to contact their U.S. citizen friends and relatives in Haiti. Please send your inquiries to:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and include the following information:

1. The full name, date of birth and passport information (if known) of the persons in Haiti you are trying to contact.
2. Their contact information in Haiti;  telephone numbers, email address, hotel name or address (if known)
3. Your name and contact information, and your relationship to the person in Haiti (parent, spouse, friend etc.)
4. Any special or emergency circumstances.

Voice of America can be called for people to leave messages that will be broadcast to Haiti: 202-205-9942 mailbox 42

International Committee of the Red Cross to reunite family members: www.icrc.org/familylinks

Haiti Connect to post photos and search for realitives through the Miami Herald: www.miamiherald.com

Visit www.CNN.com/Haitimissing. While on this site, you can upload photos of missing loved ones or search for them.

T-Mobile has announced that they will waive international long distance calling charges for any T-Mobile customer trying to get in contact with people in Haiti. T-Mobile says that all calls to Haiti from January 12 to January 31, 2010 will not be charged for international long distance. And, for any T-Mobile customers in Haiti, T-Mobile will allow them to roam on Haiti’s Voila and Digicel networks for free. The charges will be removed from customers’ bills as needed.

In the wake of the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti, Vonage is currently offering free international dialing to Haiti for all U.S. callers.  Dial 800-809-2503 and follow the instructions to place a free 10-min call. We encourage you to pass this Vonage toll-free number along to non-Vonage customers who want to call Haiti.  Calls to Haiti are free only if you use this toll-free number to place the call. If you dial from your home phone without using the 800 number, you’ll incur standard long-distance charges. Please note that due to infrastructure limitations in Haiti, you may experience difficulty reaching your party successfully. This free calling service to Haiti may be discontinued at any time.

2.  Which areas are affected?
The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 M. The earthquake centered approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Port-au-Prince, struck around 5 PM local time on Tuesday, 12 January 2010.  The earthquake occurred at a depth of 13 kilometres (8.1 mi).  Specific areas are still being assessed and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.

3. How many people died?
Haiti earthquake death toll remains unknown as there are many people that are still unaccounted for. However, Haitian Red Cross has estimated that up to 50,000 people could be dead and another three million hurt or displaced.   Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive told the Associated Press on Saturday the 16th that a final toll of 100,000 dead would "seem to be the minimum.”

4. Where can I donate my time/expertise or funds to support this cause?
At this point, medical experts with experience and training in disasters and international health are most needed.  You may volunteer your time and expertise to the relief effort by signing up through the GWHRC's secure volunteer portal, at https://volunteer.gwhrc.org/.  L'Union Fait La Force (In Unity there is Strength)

Another important way to help is through monetary donations to well-known relief organizations trained and equipped to respond to such disasters.  The fastest way to donate may be by cell phone text massage.  The corresponding charge will appear on your next cell phone bill. Here are several suggestions:

Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross

Text HAITI to 25383 to donate $5 to International Rescue Committee

Text HAITI to 45678 to donate $5 to the Salvation Army in Canada

Text RELIEF to 30644 to get automatically connected to Catholic Relief Services and donate money with your credit card

Text HAITI to 864833 to donate $5 to The United Way

Text CERF to 90999 to donate $5 to The United Nations Foundation

Text DISASTER to 90999 to donate $10 to Compassion International

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, the American Red Cross had received more than $24 million in relief contributions texted from cell phones.   Please spread the word to friends and family and donate!

A list of philanthropic organizations and humanitarian agencies providing assistance to Haiti during this major catastrophe is provided below.  Please visit their website(s) and contribute in any way you can.

Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (www.clintonbushhaitifund.org)
President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush established the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (CBHF) to identify and fulfill unmet needs in the region, foster economic opportunity, improve the quality of life of those affected over the long term, and assist the people of Haiti as they rebuild their lives and country. Presidents Clinton and Bush oversee the CBHF through their respective nonprofit organizations, the William J. Clinton Foundation and Communities Foundation of Texas. One hundred percent of donations made to the Clinton Foundation and the Communities Foundation of Texas go directly to relief efforts.

International Medical Corps (www.imcworldwide.org)
International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.  An IMC Emergency Response Team is providing medical care outside the general hospital near the Presidential Palace where hundreds of people have congregated for help.

Direct Relief International (www.directrelief.org)
Direct Relief International provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world.
 
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (www.hashaiti.org)
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer provides medical care and community health and development programs for more than 300,000 impoverished people in the Artibonite Valley of central Haiti. Visiting medical professionals from North America and abroad work with a permanent Haitian staff of almost 550.

World Vision (www.worldvision.org)
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian charity organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

International Relief Teams (www.irteams.org)
International Relief Teams is a nonprofit, international relief organization dedicated to organizing volunteer teams to provide medical and non-medical assistance to the victims of disaster and profound poverty worldwide.

American Red Cross (www.redcross.org)
Since its founding in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been one of the nation's premier emergency response organizations. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters.

Operation USA (www.opusa.org)
Operation USA helps communities alleviate the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty throughout the world by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid.   The organization provides material and financial assistance to grassroots organizations that promote sustainable development, leadership and capacity building, income generating activities, provide education and health services, and advocate on behalf of vulnerable people.

CARE (www.care.org)
CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.

Project HOPE (www.projecthope.org)
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) is dedicated to providing lasting solutions to health problems with the mission of helping people to help themselves. Identifiable to many by the SS HOPE, the world’s first peacetime hospital ship, Project HOPE now provides medical training and health education, as well as conducts humanitarian assistance programs in more than 35 countries. 

International Medical Alliance (http://imaonline.org)
International Medical Alliance has been bringing Medical Mission Teams to underserved and impoverished regions of the world since 2000.  IMA has a large Medical Team based in Jimani which is a small town on the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. 

Catholic Relief Services (http://crs.org)
Catholic Relief Services is the official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.  CRS is turning a Port-au-Prince golf course into one of the first formal camps for the multitudes of displaced people in the Haitian capital.

World Food Programme (www.wfp.org)
The World Food Programme is part of the United Nations system and is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide.  WFP is privately funded and works with its sister UN agencies in Rome -- the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) -- as well as other government, UN and NGO partners.

World Concern (www.worldconcern.org)
Seattle-based World Concern has worked in Haiti since 1978 and currently provides hope to 125,000 people. Our work with the poor includes microfinance, agriculture, disaster response and small business development. World Concern works with the poor in 24 countries, with the goal of transforming the lives of those we touch, leading them on a path to self-sustainability.

Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org)
Save the Children is a leading, independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 29 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries.

UNICEF (www.unicef.org)
UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.  In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care.

Mercy Corps (www.mercycorps.org)
Mercy Corps is a team of 3700 professionals helping turn crisis into opportunity for millions around the world. Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.

Operation Blessing International (http://community.ob.org)
Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation (OBI) is a nonprofit humanitarian organization based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. Since 1978, Operation Blessing International has touched the lives of more than 215 million people in 105 countries and all 50 states, providing goods and services valued at more than $2.1 billion.

Americares (www.americares.org)
AmeriCares is a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs – and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs – for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion.

Doctors Without Borders (http://doctorswithoutborders.org)
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971.  Today, MSF provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. MSF provides independent, impartial assistance to those most in need. MSF reserves the right to speak out to bring attention to neglected crises, to challenge inadequacies or abuse of the aid system, and to advocate for improved medical treatments and protocols.

Medical Teams International (www.medicalteams.org)
Medical Teams International is a Christian global health organization that empowers communities to live full and healthy lives. MTI volunteers, staff and supporters form a closely knit team that is deeply committed to facilitating lasting solutions for people suffering from disaster, conflict and poverty in 70 countries.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (www.icrc.org)
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance.  The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.

The Salvation Army (www.salvationarmy.org)
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.  Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

USAID encourages cash donations because they allow aid professionals to procure the exact items needed (often in the affected region); reduce the burden on scarce resources (such as transportation routes, staff time, warehouse space, etc); can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region; and ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance.

5. Where can I donate in-kind goods?
Please contact the Greater Washington Haiti Relief Committee (GWHRC) if you wish to make in-kind donations by calling 202-450-4055 or sending email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Local businesses are always welcome to donate office supplies and food to support our volunteers.

6. Who can travel to Haiti?
At this point, medical experts with experience and training in disasters and international health are most needed.  At this time, because of safety, logistical, and other concerns, travel to Haiti is being discouraged.  The best contributions you can make at this time are charitable donations to well-known relief organizations trained and equipped to respond to such disasters.

7. What countries are supporting the effort thus far?
It is still a growing list, but as of today more than 30 countries are in Haiti or are in route to Haiti. This includes the US, Iceland, Spain, France, China, Canada, Brazil.

8. How should I talk to my children about the earthquake disaster?
In this time of heightened anxiety, our children are experiencing fear and anxiety, too. Here are some things to remember for children of all ages.

Acknowledge children’s worries and uncertainties. Reassure them their feelings are normal.

Children’s reactions to terrorism may be heavily influenced by your own. Your reactions are key in helping them decide whether or not the world is a safe place.

Children need comforting and frequent reassurance they are safe-make sure you give it to them.

Provide activities for children which help them explore their feelings; such as, classroom discussion, informal play, community service projects, and writing, music, art or drama projects.

Maintain family routines; keep lines of communication open.

9. How can I help someone through the grieving process?
The death of a loved one is always difficult. When the death results from a war or a disaster, it can be even more troubling given the sudden and potentially violent nature of the event. A wide range of emotions may be experienced, including: denial, disbelief, confusion, shock, sadness, anger, humiliation, despair and guilt.

There are several things you can do to assist someone you care about who is grieving:

First is simply to be available to the person if they want to share their feelings. Listening is an important gift you can provide.  Allow the person to talk about his feelings and to share memories of the deceased. Offer practical help such as babysitting, cooking, or running errands.

Find out about available support groups and share this information. Don’t hesitate to recommend professional help when you feel someone is experiencing too much pain to cope alone. Chaplains trained in pastoral counseling are available in most communities. Community mental health centers offer short term, professional counseling.

Encourage the grieving person to contact his/her local community mental health center by calling 1-800-852-3345.

10. What causes earthquakes?
An earthquake is the shaking of the ground caused by an abrupt shift of rock along a fracture in the Earth, called a fault. Within seconds, an earthquake releases stress that has slowly accumulated within the rock, sometimes over hundreds of years. The size of an earthquake is indicated by a number called its magnitude. Magnitude is calculated from a measurement of either the amplitude or the duration of specific types of recorded seismic waves. The intensity of and earthquake is a measure of the amount of ground shaking at a particular site, and it is determined from reports of human reaction to shaking, damage done to structures, and other effects

11. What are aftershocks and what causes them?
Aftershocks are earthquakes on a smaller scale after the main quake. They happen because the newly moved rocks have to be settled. Aftershocks are dangerous because they are usually unpredictable, can be of a large magnitude, and catch people off guard if they are salvaging items from a damaged building.