Chaos in Haiti as they attempt to discover the extent of the damage that a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastates the country.
3 Million affected and reports from ABC show that thousands are feared dead from this disaster.
In Geneva Wednesday, a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) estimated that as many as 3 million people in the impoverished country may have been affected by the quake, according to the Associated Press. The ICRC predicted that it would take 24 to 48 hours for a clear picture to emerge of the scale of the destruction.
According to the UN, the island is the scene of widespread devestation. Collapsed buildings include the national penitentiary, where prisoners have escaped, the National Palace (President Rene Garcia Preval is said to be safe), the Parliament Building, the National Cathedral and at least four other ministry buildings including the finance ministry.
The main airport's control tower is said to have collapsed, hindering rescue efforts. But the airport is said to be operational, and planes carrying aid from the UN are expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince this morning.
The UNDisaptch has continuous updates with photos, so keep your eye on that site.
The Red Cross and UNICEF have listed ways to help from wherever you are.
More at The New York Times and Associated Press.
.
Note from Wake Up America management: This section is for comments from Wake Up America Readers. Debate and disagreement are welcome, but STICK TO THE ISSUE OF THE POST you are commenting on. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our rules of commenting will lose their posting privilege and their comment will be deleted without warning.
|