A fierce earthquake labeled as the worse in 200 years devastated the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on January 12. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake left the capital in shambles, with toppled buildings strewn all over. The death toll has not been estimated, however, it is sure to be high, in a city were overpopulation is an issue. That Haiti should suffer a catastrophe of this sort is quite sad, given that Haiti is without question the poorest country in the western hemisphere.
Over the next couple of days, I will blog more about Haiti. I have a special interest in the country, that began with Dr. Paul Farmer, renowned Harvard University professor of medicine whom I had the pleasure of meeting a few years ago in Denver and the famed writer Edwidge Danticat, who introduced me through her writings to the immigrant experience of Haitians in America. To help the relief effort in Haiti, please visit the following charities and follow their links to contribute monetarily.
yéle haiti
American Red Cross
Unicef
Please be a savvy giver. If you are unsure about any organizations soliciting funds for victims of the earthquake, do your research before making a donation.
Photograph courtesy of the New York Times
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