Minnesotans report from ground zero in Haiti

Troy and Tara Livesay moved from Zimmerman, Minn., to Port-au-Prince three years ago. They are updating the scene in Haiti via Twitter and their blog. Here is an update of his eyewitness account today, in addition to her blog postings.

You can see his tweets at @troylivesay or their blog posts at livesayhaiti.blogspot.com

About 6 a.m.

currently experiencing another aftershock - they are still coming - had a couple strong ones yesterday and last night.

Yesterday there was only one gas station operating in town that I saw and it was a mob scene. No violence but it was very intense.

The power and internet is working due to generators and battery systems, I'm not sure how long it will last if there are fuel shortages.

We were not able to reach anyone on Delmas 31, including Sherrie Fausey - still don't know anything about her but the area is severely dmgd.

Here are the people we had contact with yesterday that we know are OK - Madame Pierre (Esperandieu), Church of the Open Door team...

About 7 a.m.

It has seemed calm around town and fairly easy to navigate the roads. Most ppl still seemed shocked. Many had bags packed-lving city I assume.

I don't know if what I'm sending out is old news by now but don't have time to check that out - saw many signs of looting yest. along Delmas

People outside of Haiti with information or inquiries about U.S. citizens in Haiti may reach the Haiti Task Force at 888-407-4747.

Trying to wade through a thousand emails and get replies to any that I can offer help with-US Embassy has a hotline set up - info next...

Digital cell phones still seem to be out-that is the only cell service we have so can't call anyone here-can't call for your family members

About 8:30 a.m.

It struck me yesterday that there is no such thing as 'first responders' in Haiti-the rescue efforts so far consisted of anyone nearby.

we're seeing the coast guard and lots of other planes/helicopters since yesterday.

JANUARY 14, 2010

DON'T COME

If you don't speak Creole and don't have the ability to work with injured people - you should NOT come. We cannot feed you and we don't have a place to house you.

Many roads are blocked by fallen buildings. MANY people walking around with open and serious wounds. It is hard to travel freely to the areas you've asked us to check, that is why we don't have that information for you.

The deceased are being dragged to the side of roads, covered in sheets and left. We don't live in the hardest hit areas but even so there are many bodies.

Pray.

-- tara

You are asking what you can do ... we are going to need Diesel, Water, Food ... things you cannot really easily do. SO - give money. The two organizations Troy and I work with and for both need help and are both reputable. The giant organizations are fine too if that is what you prefer. Money is the number one need (and ability to purchase the supplies) and MEDICAL PERSONNEL. Coming down if you are not willing to risk and get in and clean out horrific wounds would just tax an already taxed place. Medical professionals should contact organizations with the ability to coordinate efforts and try to get here. It won't help to have more non-medical people to feed and house. Hope that does not sound harsh - but it is truth.

We have only lived here for four years and certainly don't have a full grasp on the culture yet.

One thing is ABSOLUTELY true ... Haitian people are tough, strong , brave , and tenacious. Most of them have been suffering for decades and decades and have seen more than you can imagine.