Port-Au-Prince, Haiti – February 9, 2010 – Update – IRD staff met with Haiti Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive to discuss IRD projects in Haiti, and plans to begin work on temporary water and sanitation solutions in Leogane.

Earlier, IRD staff visited the Leogane district, the earthquake epicenter with 90 percent destruction, to do a full assessment.

"Although, estimates we had heard of 90% destruction were easily visible, the mayor told us that 100% of the population were affected, since even those few whose homes were not destroyed were afraid to enter their still standing and damaged houses," said Adam Koons, IRD Emergency Relief Team Lead. "The entire population was sleeping outside."

IRD has chosen Leogane as one of its primary development sites, hoping to assist with shelter, water repair, sanitation and latrines, and agriculture. See the photo gallery of the assessment and the team's time in Haiti, or read more about their experiences in IRD's blog, Voices from the Field.

Earlier, IRD's emergency relief team was able to bring two truckloads of water with them from Dominican Republic to Port-au-Prince, and are meeting more than $8 million worth of commodities donated to IRD that have either already been flown or shipped in to Port-au-Prince, or are on their way.

IRD has distributed, or will be distributing, medical supplies, medicines, rehydration salts, solar-powered lights, water purifiers, hygiene kits, and other basic humanitarian aid. IRD will also focus its attention on larger sanitation system and water infrastructure repairs.

Cash contributions continue to be critical to the relief efforts in Haiti:

An estimated 3.5 million individuals have been affected by this disaster, and the number of deaths is expected to be at least 100,000. The IRD Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund has raised nearly $200,000 to help the people of Haiti. Those who wish to donate can also call 1-866-595-1100, or text REBUILD to 85944.

You can also stay up-to-date on the latest Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts by following us on Twitter @ird_relief, or become a fan of us on Facebook under the name International Relief and Development.