Story:
Haiti (1/12/10) - New Yorkers with ties to the island nation of Haiti are anxiously awaiting news of loved ones following Tuesday's massive earthquake.Haiti shares the same island as the Dominican Republic.
The magnitude 7 quake was centered just off shore of the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
Aftershocks as strong as 5.5 and 5.9 could be felt throughout the area.
Aid workers are describing total disaster and chaos with reports of widespread damage and a high number of deaths.
News of the earthquake has many Haitians living here in the city concerned for their loved ones back home.
Many have been trying to get in touch with their relatives, but are having a hard time getting through. Others are watching television, trying to get news of what's going on there, and hoping for the best.
"Structures are not really the greatest. People build houses on top of houses and the structures are not very strong. That possibly may cause more damage," said one Haitian native.
"I heard the news, I'm trying to contact her. I can't reach her, so it has to be scary. Very scary. It's very scary," said another Haitian native.
While the true extent of the damage won't be known for days, City Councilman Mathieu Eugene, who grew up in Haiti, says the area will need all the help it can get. He says he's already working to put together a coalition of New Yorkers to join the relief effort.
"We already know that Haiti was already facing struggle and difficulties and to see that right now, to see that Haiti going through this catastrophe, this is hard, it's tough, this is a big blow," Eugene said.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg offered his condolences Tuesday, saying his thoughts and prayers are with all New Yorkers who have family and loved ones in the affected area.
New Yorkers can give money to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund set up by singer and Haitian native Wyclef Jean by visiting www.Yele.org if they want to help out.
The magnitude 7 quake was centered just off shore of the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
Aftershocks as strong as 5.5 and 5.9 could be felt throughout the area.
Aid workers are describing total disaster and chaos with reports of widespread damage and a high number of deaths.
News of the earthquake has many Haitians living here in the city concerned for their loved ones back home.
Many have been trying to get in touch with their relatives, but are having a hard time getting through. Others are watching television, trying to get news of what's going on there, and hoping for the best.
"Structures are not really the greatest. People build houses on top of houses and the structures are not very strong. That possibly may cause more damage," said one Haitian native.
"I heard the news, I'm trying to contact her. I can't reach her, so it has to be scary. Very scary. It's very scary," said another Haitian native.
While the true extent of the damage won't be known for days, City Councilman Mathieu Eugene, who grew up in Haiti, says the area will need all the help it can get. He says he's already working to put together a coalition of New Yorkers to join the relief effort.
"We already know that Haiti was already facing struggle and difficulties and to see that right now, to see that Haiti going through this catastrophe, this is hard, it's tough, this is a big blow," Eugene said.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg offered his condolences Tuesday, saying his thoughts and prayers are with all New Yorkers who have family and loved ones in the affected area.
New Yorkers can give money to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund set up by singer and Haitian native Wyclef Jean by visiting www.Yele.org if they want to help out.
Questions:
1) Where did this story take place?
2) When did this story take place?
3) What magnitude earthquake was it?
4) Why are the Haitians living in NYC feeling worried?
5) What other country shares the same island as Haiti?
6) If you would like to give money to help Haiti what website would you go to?
Info and video from NY1
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