HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

January 13, 2010. Government Warning Issued for Haiti

SOURCE: U.S. Department of State

The following Warden Message was issued by U.S. Embassy Port Au Prince on January 12:

This Warden Message is to apprise U.S. Citizens of the latest information available regarding the earthquake of January 12.

On January 12 at approximately 5:30 p.m., an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck near Port Au Prince, followed by multiple aftershocks. There are reports of extensive damage, and communications remain extremely difficult. Additional aftershocks remain a possibility. The U.S. Embassy is working to ascertain the extent of the damage and check on the status of U.S. citizens around the island.

U.S. citizens in Haiti should remain in shelter. If exposed when an aftershock hits, seek shelter immediately or try to get to open space, away from buildings and other structures. If indoors, take shelter under a heavy table or desk, or in a doorway.

U.S. citizens in Haiti should seek safe shelter and remain there. Avoid damaged buildings, and obey all instructions from local authorities. Do not use flame in case of disrupted gas lines. Avoid downed power lines. If possible, please contact friends and relatives outside of Haiti to inform them of your welfare.

The U.S. Embassy in Port Au Prince has set up a task force at the Embassy which is taking calls as conditions permit. The Embassy is working to identify Americans in Haiti who need urgent assistance and to identify sources of emergency help. Americans are urged to contact the Embassy via email at ACSPaP@state.gov to request assistance. Americans in Haiti can call the Embassy's Consular Task Force at 509-2229-8942, 509-2229-8089, 509-2229-8322, or 509-2229-8672. The State Department has also created a task force to monitor the emergency. People outside of Haiti with information or inquiries about U.S. citizens in Haiti may reach the Haiti Task Force at 888-407-4747.