Through the powers of technology, the world is witnessing the unfolding drama that is the aftermath of the powerful Intensity 7 earthquake that hit the Caribbean nation of Haiti. Hundreds of thousands are believed to be still missing and trapped within the shattered buildings. For those of us in the Philippines, the quake in Haiti has some parallels, if you count the tragic July 1990 earthquake (magnitude 7.7) and more recently, Typhoon Ondoy. Three Filipino members of the UN peacekeeping contingent remain unaccounted for in the Haiti tragedy.
But unlike the 1991 Philippine earthquake where places like Baguio remained cut off from the rest of the world for several days, what happened in Haiti was immediately broadcast, tweeted and blogged to the rest of the world in a matter of minutes. Thanks to today’s technology, the world was made aware of the extent of the disaster. We expect the spirit of charity and volunteerism as well to rise as Help Haiti efforts have been made possible via Twitter, Facebook and the press of a cellphone button.
How to help Haiti? Here are high-tech ways to donate now:
If you’re residing in the United States, text “HAITI” to “90999” and a donation of $10 will automatically be given to the Red Cross
Also at the forefront is Yele Haiti, an organization started by New York-based Haiti singer and native Wyclef Jean. Just text YELE to 501501 and a donation of $5 will be charged to the mobile phone user’s account. According to Wyclef’s popular Twitter acount (1.3 million followers), $400,000 was raised on the first day alone.
Donate now buttons are also available in the official websites of non-profit organizations such as the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Vision, Save the Children, CARE, among others.
Hollywood’s most generous showbiz couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have so far donated $1 million to Haiti through Doctors Without Borders (via usmagazine.com)
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