(1/14/10) What's Happened: Earthquake in Haiti:
An earthquake of 7.0 magnitude struck the Caribbean island of Haiti on January 12, 2010, and the country's infrastructure, already weakened from four tropical storms in 2008, has been further damaged. The quake's epicenter was 10 miles southwest of capital city Port Au Prince, and regular commercial air traffic and public transportation in Port Au Prince are reportedly* at a standstill. Dr. Micheal Blanpied, USGS earthquake program coordinator, said* January 13 that there have been 24 aftershocks; reports* are that Port Au Prince's hospital, presidential palace and some office buildings and hotels are heavily damaged.
What to Do if You Know Someone Traveling in Haiti:
Call 888-407-4747 to seek information about family members in Haiti. The State Department is saying, "Our embassy (in Haiti) is still in the early stages of contacting American citizens through our Warden Network. Communications are very difficult within Haiti at this time." You can also call the Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) at 202-647-5225 in the US or 317-472-2328 from overseas (about country codes). The ACS assists Americans abroad with emergency evacuation, medical needs, death abroad, and repatriation loans. See, too, helpful government travel emergency resources.
What to Do if You're Traveling in Haiti:
If you're in Haiti, call the ACS at 00 1 317 472 2328 to get US government help, like getting evacuated or getting a repatriation loan (you *will* have to pay it back). Broadcast your or others' whereabouts on a map at ushahidi.com/ or in the forums at HandsAcrossHaiti.org. The US Embassy's building in Haiti is intact; US Haiti Embassy address and phone:
- US Embassy Port-au-Prince Haiti
Boulevard du 15 October, Tabarre 41, Tabarre, Haiti
Phone: (509) 2 229-8000
Fax: (509) 2 229-8027
How to Prepare for Disaster When Abroad:
When you're planning travel, seriously consider registering with the US Embassy in the countries in which you'll be traveling. In the event of trouble, including natural disaster or severe political unrest, the embassy will notify a "tree" called the Warden Network, local members of which will try to get in touch with you. Do know that your US cell phone may not work abroad; get set up with a GSM phone before you go (reports as of early January 13 are that cell phone networks in Haiti are down). Prepare best by checking travel warnings before you go.
How to Cope With Disaster Abroad:
Losing all your money, losing your passport, needing to flee a country during political unrest... these can happen to travelers. Provide yourself with some peace of mind by knowing what to do:
- How to Get Help from the US Government During Disaster (Emergency Evacuation, Loans, More)
- How to Handle Losing Your Passport
- Read current travel alerts and travel warnings from the US government while in-country for useful info (a travel alert has been issued for Haiti which provides tips on staying safe during earthquake aftershocks, for instance).
How to Help in Haiti Aid Efforts:
Port Au Prince's hospitals are said to have been badly damaged during the Haiti earthquake, and we're all urged to help Haiti and her residents if we can by donating money aimed at emergency healthcare needs. Going to Haiti to offer your services may be all but impossible, but donations will be much appreciated. See our vetted and growing list of charities in Haiti which are either already working on the ground, with existing infrastructures in place, or using your money in tangible ways right now:
- How to Donate to Haiti: List of Charities Active Now in Haiti
