The Island of Haiti was struck late Tuesday afternoon with a massive 7.0 earthquake that flattened buildings and homes followed by two aftershocks registering at 5.9 and 5.2 on the Richter scale.
As previously reported by Bossip, the quake hit about 10 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, shortly before 5 p.m.
Obviously affected by the tragedy is Wyclef Jean who’s Haitian background has made him an advocate for the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country.
Clef is speaking out to help his country and asking fans to donate relief funds.
He released a press release about the tragedy saying,
“Haiti today faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake – and several very strong aftershocks – struck only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince.
I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now.
President Obama has already said that the U.S. stands ready to assist’ the Haitian people. The U.S. Military is the only group trained and prepared to offer that assistance immediately. They must do so as soon as possible. The international community must also rise to the occasion and help the Haitian people in every way possible.”
Relief funds can be donated to the Yele Haiti non-profit organization by texting “Yele” to 501501.
Wyclef is currently on the way to the Haiti with CNN’s Anderson Cooper to survey the scene firsthand.
Below is video of Clef and Haitian born author Edwige Danticat during their interview shortly after the tragedy on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360.
