Wyclef Jean On Haitian Earthquake: ‘Idle Hands Will Only Make This Tragedy Worse’

Following the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti on Tuesday, musician Wyclef Jean is calling for the public’s help.

“Haiti today faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake – and several very strong aftershocks – struck only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince,” he said in a statement released to Access Hollywood.

“I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now,” he continued. “President Obama has already said that the U.S. stands ‘ready to assist’ the Haitian people. The U.S. Military is the only group trained and prepared to offer that assistance immediately. They must do so as soon as possible. The international community must also rise to the occasion and help the Haitian people in every way possible.”

Wyclef is urging the public to donate, which can easily be done from your phone or computer.

“Many people have already reached out to see what they can do right now. We are asking those interested to please do one of two things: Either you can use your cell phone to text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or you can visit www.Yele.org and click on DONATE.”

Other celebrities took to their Twitter accounts, urging their followers to help.

“Yele haiti now for the disaster. Please do all that you can. Please,” Lindsay Lohan Tweeted early Wednesday morning. “Anyone that may be listening’s attentionCall 1884074747 State Dept for Haitian ReliefPlease help them… I know I will as much as I can.”

Actress Olivia Wilde, who was in Haiti recently, pleaded with her fans to donate, writing, “Places where we stood weeks ago are now rubble. I’m gutted. Please keep spreading the word. Thank you to those who are donating! You are saving lives by the minute.”

And actress Taraji P. Henson, asked her fans to help, while also sending out a prayer for the victims, writing, “Hold the ppl of Haiti/surrounding islands in your heart and prayers tonight.”

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