Wyclef Jean Urges Aid to Haiti

Wyclef Jean is raising for rescue efforts following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake and aftershocks that hit Haiti yesterday, leaving the country devastated and in chaos. Hundreds of thousands of mostly poor people may have died in the worst earthquake to hit the area in 200 years, and resources are desperately needed to provide the most basic services to the Western hemisphere's poorest country.

Jean founded the Yéle Haiti movement in 2005 as "a grassroots movement that builds global awareness for Haiti while helping to transform the country through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment." Yéle’s community -ervice programs include food distribution and emergency relief. Today he urged fans to donate whatever they can spare:

“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.”

The Pentagon has already sent an aircraft carrier, while the Coast Guard has deployed four cutters containing helicopters. The country is already host to many relief organizations, at least one of which was itself devastated by the quake: The chief of the United Nations mission in Haiti, Hedi Annabi, was reportedly killed when the mission's headquarters collapsed.

You can donate any amount to Yéle Haiti here – or simply text "Yele" at 501501 to donate $5, which will be charged to your phone bill.