KIGALI - Following the devastating earthquake which struck Haitian capital Port-au-Prince on Tuesday causing massive damage across the country, the Government of Rwanda has committed a donation of US$ 100,000 (Rwf 56m) to victims.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake reported to be the strongest to have struck the country in 200 years, killed over 50,000 people and while as many are still missing; the death toll is expected to rise.

The International Red Cross estimates that three million people have been affected by the quake that caused major damage to Haitian landmarks such as the presidential palace, all hospitals and homes in the region
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere ranked at 149th of 182 countries on the Human Development Index.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) considers the country to be economically vulnerable and with little ability to cope with major disasters.

Several countries have responded to the appeal for international aid to Haiti, and after South Africa, Rwanda is among the first few African countries to give aid to the country.

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