Major Earthquake Hits Haiti (Developing Story)

A major earthquake rocked Haiti, killing possibly thousands of people as it toppled the presidential palace and hillside shanties alike and left the Caribbean nation appealing for international help. Tuesday's 7.0 magnitude quake is the most powerful to hit Haiti in more than 200 years, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake's epicenter was only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince. About 4 million people live in the city and surrounding area. Aftershocks as powerful as 5.9 rattled the city throughout the night and into Wednesday.

Reports on casualties and damage were slow to emerge due to communication problems. However, Sara Fajardo, a spokeswoman for Catholic Relief Services, told the Los Angeles Times its representative in Haiti said the death toll could be in the thousands. Many countries are rallying around this island nation and donating to the relief efforts. You can also do your part, in several different ways. You can text YELE to 501 501 on your cell phone and $5 will go towards earthquake relief. We are not sure if this applies for Canadian cell phones as well. However, in Canada you can dontate through the Red Cross. The website is: https://www.paypaq.com/redcross/new/index.php.