[9lives]

Haiti experienced a serious earthquake several hours ago. Serious casulties and who knows how many injured?

Needless to say, I'm sure we all hope for the best, but any help sent that way..even good thoughts, I'm sure are appreciated.

For those who are geographically challenged, I know there was a recent thread on the Dominican Republic and the 2 are the same island..with different governments.

Thoughts, prayers, and good wishes to anyone who is affected.

These people need and will get our help.

[Lippy]

Texting 90999 with the message "Haiti" contributes $10 to the American Red Cross for that purpose. The charge will appear on your phone bill.

[Wilfrid]

After shocks in the DR, but the problem seems confined to the Port-au-Prince area. Aside from casualties, it is going to be a problem that most houses are made from, like, cardboard.

[Carolyn Tillie]

So close to the anniversary of the Northridge quake for me as to have given me serious willies in listening to the news. I can't watch the pictures -- the images are far too hard.

Thanks, Lippy for that message. I just tried to go to the Red Cross website and their donation links are slammed and not loading.

[foodie52]

I find it ironic that Haiti only receives aid when there's a disaster. Meanwhile, Haiti has BEEN a disaster for decades.

Or am I wrong? Awesome.

[Wilfrid]

I think it has been one of those countries which has been hard to help over the years. For example, unwise just to hand money to the president.

[lovelynugget]

Where to donate

Immediately after a disaster is prime fundraising time for NGOs. So they all rush in and put out immediate appeals before there’s any clear idea of what or how much they can actually help. Only fund those that already have an office established in country because of the amount of time and money it takes to get anything more than just search and rescue up and running. If you want to move into anything such as temporary shelters, food distribution, those with an already established presence will know the people and systems better and be able to work more quickly and less expensively.

I prefer for people to try to support small, local CBOs [Community-based organizations] as they are already on the ground responding, and will be helping in the country for a long time.

Miami Herald list

NYT list

WashPost list

LA Times list

USAToday list

Beware of scams.

[memesuze]

This is one of those times when I wish there were portable desalination units available to airlift. So many victims and aide workers without water.

[Lex]

With every news report this just gets more horrible.

[Orik]

I think it has been one of those countries which has been hard to help over the years. For example, unwise just to hand money to the president.

One of those rare cases where government, military, mafia, tribe, family, and individuals all cooperate to make others fail. Not an awesome place by any means, even less so now.

[Wilfrid]

I am rather more familiar with the history of the neighboring DR, where the same analysis pretty much applies over the years (not necessarily to the current regime). The DR's remarkable achievement has been to remain Haiti's more prosperous neighbor.

[Steve R.]

The situation isnt good. I have many staff (over 50) whose families are there & very few have been able to have direct contact. Got some good news today from the family of one of our doctors but others are fearing the worst. We've already set up our Trauma Teams to assist staff and are on stand by for the family disaster response teams that NYC's Dept of Health/Mental Health is setting up with the Red Cross. We also have a small # of patients who are similarly affected.

Sometimes I wish I had chosen a different career path.

[Lex]

At last, an explanation and a silver lining too.

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[Daisy]

That's the sort of thing that makes me hope there's a hell and that Robertson will burn there.

[Rich]

I still can't understand the need for the anchors of the network/cable news stations to travel there. All they (and their staff) do is get in the way and take up precious space that could be used to help the victims. They provide no relief at all.

There are enough journalists there to document the events - talking heads should stay home and do what they do best - speak. Let the real journalists do their job.

This is an immense tragedy, not a PR opp - sometimes I am ashamed of the behavior of broadcast journalists.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Haiti and their family and friends.