Moments after a massive 7.0 earthquake rocked the island nation of Haiti in the Caribbean Sea Tuesday afternoon, Mileille Dalturis grabbed her phone to see if her family was okay.
"Our heart is torn inside because we just don't know what's going on with our family members," she said.
The quake, which was centered about 10 miles west of the Port-au-Prince, the nation's capital, devastated the already impoverished country. Initial reports show countless building collapses -- which include the presidential palace and parliament -- and many injuries. Witnesses are describing the event a "major, major disaster."
Dalturis' worry was echoed by other members of the Haitian Evangelical Baptist Church in Germantown late Tuesday as parishioners practiced for an upcoming concert.
"I cannot express myself how I feel…my sister, my nephew and my niece, cousin…they all live in Haiti in parts not too far from what happened," said Dieucel Dalcuris.
Communication in and out of the country is scarce with many landlines in and around the epicenter destroyed.
So as they wait for word, many turn to their faith for hope.
"I am waiting on the Lord to know what I'm learning from this situation and to be strong," Dalturis said.
The U.S. State Department has set up a hotline for those looking for information about family members in Haiti. If you have family in the country, call 888.407.4747.
