Politics

Clinton: Haiti Damage "Unimaginable" But U.S. Aid Helping

By Daniel Carty

January 14, 2010 / 7:38 AM EST / CBS News

The scope of devastation in Haiti following Tuesday's earthquake is "unimaginable," but U.S. resources are starting to make a difference in the country's recovery, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told CBS' "The Early Show".

"I think the American people can be assured that we're doing everything … to help the people of Haiti and it's not just for the days ahead ... It will be for months and years ahead as we help them rebuild," Clinton told "Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez.

CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric, reporting from Port-au-Prince, said that few police and emergency vehicles are visible. "This is a city in shambles and on edge."

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But Clinton said a U.S. military team has already repaired the air traffic control system in Port au Prince so large planes carrying rescue and relief supplies can safely land. And another team is working on restoring the city's port and search and rescue teams from Fairfax, Va., are on the ground aiding the rescue effort.

Clinton also said "we don't have many reports yet" of U.S. deaths in the country. There are around 45,000 Americans currently living in Haiti and the State Department is trying to track them all down and evacuate all who want to leave. Clinton repeated the hotline number that President Barack Obama offered Wednesday for Americans unable to get in touch with family in Haiti – (888) 407-4747.

The State Department has also established a text message donation system that has already raised $3 million, Clinton said. For those interested in donating $10 to aid relief efforts, text "Haiti" to 90999.

Clinton also said the Obama administration "is taking steps to make sure [Haitians facing deportation] are given some temporary status so that we don't compound the problem that we face in Haiti."