Former Baltimore Sun religion writer John Rivera, now at Catholic Relief Services, passes along this note this morning from Karel Zelenka, CRS country representative for Haiti. The Baltimore based-organization has about 300 staff in the Caribbean nation, and is sending more specialists, supplies and money to respond to the earthquake.

We are all accounted for except for two staff. They are probably fine, but out of phone reach close to Gonaives. We have a terrible problem with communications – only incoming calls. We tried to organize this morning and contact UN, OFDA and Caritas. We might be running out of supplies ourselves – water and food. Holly [Inuretta, regional technical advisor for emergencies for Latin America and the Caribbean, who is traveling to Haiti from the Dominican Republic] should load a car with supplies. No organized rescue efforts yet – all done by individuals with bare hands. Damage incredible all around, but our offices seem fine. Some major buildings are gone – the hotel Montana, the National Palace etc. All AA flights canceled until this weekend. UN has only 4 helicopters, two were seen early this morning doing surveys, otherwise no movement of any rescue vehicles / people. Most in a shock. …On radio stations only wild music. People have been screaming and praying all over the place throughout the night. It is a disaster of the century, we should be prepared for thousands and thousands of dead and injured.

When I was covering the Caribbean from 2002 to 2005, Haiti was my favorite country to visit, for the people, the culture, the music, the art, the food -- it's a welcoming and fascinating place. I've been sending e-mail to check on friends and contacts.