Massive Earthquake Jolts Haiti
The U.S. Geological Survey reports that a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti 10 miles southwest of the capital of Port au Prince at 4:53 p.m. Eastern, Tuesday, Jan. 12.
The initial quake was followed by two aftershocks.
Reliable damage and casualty estimates are unavailable at this time. CRS staffers in Baltimore have been in touch with Haiti staff. CRS/Haiti reports that those who remained at the office after 4 p.m. are safe. The condition of other CRS staff is unknown at this time (7:30 p.m. Eastern).
Map courtesy U.S. government
CRS/Haiti reports that cell phone use is unavailable. They communicated with Baltimore via land line. They reported that the CRS office building is still standing, but others, including one near the office, had collapsed. They reported that clouds of dust and smoke surround the city of Port au Prince. Before the phone connection was lost they characterized the situation as choatic, and feared many dead in what they called “a major hit … a direct hit.”
A tsunami watch was issued for Haiti and nearby islands.
CRS will continue to update with information as it becomes available. Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Haiti and all CRS/Haiti staff and their loved ones.
26 Responses to “Massive Earthquake Jolts Haiti”
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January 12th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Looking for status on Charles “Chuck’Dietsch, my brother, who was on a mission trip in Haiti and probably at the ‘Mission House’ at the time of the quake.
Our prayers are with everyone.
January 12th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
God help these poor people.
January 12th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
We are looking for information about Eddie Bazin who is with the Adelphos School in Port Au Prince and PCM (Preaching Christ to the Multitudes) Any information about the school or Eddie and family would be appreciated. We are part of his state side team.
January 12th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Looking for info./updates on guests at the Hotel Montana. My brother-in-law, Walt Ratterman, is staying there. He is involved in charitable work bringing electricity via solar power to those in need in third world countries. My sister is unable to reach him.
January 13th, 2010 at 12:18 am
May God bless everyone working in Haiti to respond to this crisis.
January 13th, 2010 at 12:21 am
@ marilyn crane… check out this website,
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-us-us-haiti-americans,0,3827952.story
I found it for a friend of mine who also knows charles. I hope everything works out for you and your family. My prayers are with you.
January 13th, 2010 at 7:30 am
My prayers are for them. Haitians have suffered enough, but they will prevail in this time of need. JesusChrist is always there with the suffering. He will provide.
Thanks to United States and all the nations that are there to help. May God Bless.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:30 am
I ask all Catholics to pray for the poor in Haiti. Also, if you have the means to send help, money, or whatever they need please do so in the name of our saviour Jesus Christ. This is what Jesus wants us to do.
Mary
January 13th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Anyone hear if Marianne Leymann is ok? She is elderly and we do not know if she is with her children, or what.
January 13th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I pray for the people of Haiti, and I pray that this tragedy will bring forth the best in us humans to truly help this poor and struggling nation.
January 13th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Trying to find status of Fr Simon, Marie Manigat, and children at Timkatec school in Petionville.
January 13th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Marilyn- Glad to hear Chuck is OK. I’m a parishioner at Sacred Heart where he is a deacon. The whole church is praying for his recovery.
John Schmidt
January 13th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Marilyn-
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/34838276#34838276
interview with the husband of the women rescued. Talks about Chuck Dietsch as well
January 13th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
We have six associates working in our Nursing Home from Haiti. Anyone have news of families: Dume, Hyacinthe, Blaise, Dobard, Saloman, Jacques, St.Felix–THANKS
January 13th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
[...] Catholic Relief Services is also organizing its office in Haiti, and has announced an appeal for donations to deal with the chaos; [...]
January 13th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
We have a satellite-based communication kit in MD available (as of 6 PM ET) to provide voice and data services when your response teams arrives there. Please email me for more info. Praying for everyone.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
For those who can, please open your wallets and donate to CSR Haitian Relief. Everyone else please forward this article to as many family, friends and associates as possible. All we can do now is pray and offer financial aid. They are in Gods hands.
January 13th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Searching for information on CRS Haiti staff member Farid Moise. Prayers for all Haiti.
January 14th, 2010 at 1:13 am
I am Haitian.I live in N.J. I am looking for my brother: Fred Edmond who works for CRS in the Delmas office in Haiti. I am unable to locate him. Can the Maryland office provide me with information
January 14th, 2010 at 4:53 am
Does anyone have direct news of the Missionaries of Charity sisters, the 4 houses in Port au Prince. I know Delmas is ok. This news you give will go directly to other MC’s. thanks
January 14th, 2010 at 11:43 am
I too am looking for information concerning the well-being of my friend Walt Ratterman who was staying at the Hotel Montana. Please convey any info possible.
January 15th, 2010 at 11:08 am
Praying for hands to be opened.
As soon as relief is in your hands release it.
January 15th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Working in the Name of Jesus Our Savior and King.
Open hands come from open hearts, pray for the assembly line of relief to move forward.
Praise God for willing spirits and helpful hearts.
January 16th, 2010 at 1:15 am
Missionaries of Charity in Haiti–all sisters, all patients, all children, all 4 houses ALIVE but buildings damaged.
January 17th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Eddy Bazin with PCM in Port au Prince is fine. He and his wife are are not able to stay in their home or the church. The church had some damaage, lost a cafeteria for the school. The church has lost 200 members.
Randy Beeman
January 18th, 2010 at 6:52 am
Our Lord must have been in need of so many angels when this earthquake hit… My prayers and my arms are around the country of Haiti today… I am praying for them from the bottoms of my soul where my sweet Jesus rest… I known he will hear the crys of his children… They have seen so much poverty through the years…. May this been their year of peace…..Evelyn FIore