Shakira sent out the following message earlier today in reaction to Tuesday’s magnitude 7.0 earthquake outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti:

The destruction and loss of life in Haiti causes us all to take stock in what is really important. This small country has endured so much – more than its fair share of tragedy. I can’t imagine the devastation that has struck an already weakened infrastructure. Critical services needed for recovery, such as schools and hospitals, have been destroyed.

The people of Haiti need our help immediately. Money will be needed to provide urgent emergency relief and I urge everyone who can afford to help to either donate to UNICEF’s emergency relief fund at www.unicef.org or text the word YELE to 501501 on your U.S. cell phone (this will charge your phone $5 – it will go to Wyclef Jean’s foundation which is playing a major role in the relief effort. For more information, see www.yele.org).

We must all act. As a global community, we must be part of the recovery of Haiti and its people.

Thank you.

Shakira