Damaged buildings resulting from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean nation of Haiti (Photo: Pan-African News Wire)

On Tuesday, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, which was already one of the Western hemisphere’s poorest countries.  In and around Port-au-Prince, where the quake was centered, entire towns that are in shambles, affecting the 1.8 million prople living in the area.

The country will need a tremendous ammount of aid in order to help those who were injured, displaced or lost loved ones in the tragedy.   Here are some ways you can help:

• The American Red Cross is donating an initial $200,000 to assist communities that were affected.  They plan to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.  You can make a donation through their International Response Fund.
• UNICEF issued a statement that “Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them.”  Make a donation for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund or by calling 1-800-4UNICEF
  

  People carry an injured person after an earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday - The largest earthquake ever recorded in the area (Photo: AP Photo/Radio Tele Ginen)

• If you want to donate through Wyclef Jean‘s foundation, Yele Haiti, text “Yele” to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.
• Save The Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti.  Click here to Donate to their fund to provide medical attention and clean water to children and families.
• International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake.  Donate to the International Medical Corps through their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-481-4462
• Ben Stiller’s Stillerstrong campaign will be temporarily diverting all donations to support the Haiti relief effort.
• Oxfam is rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation to provide clean water, shelter, sanitation and help people recover.  To help their efforts, Donate to Oxfam America online.