The massive earthquake that struck the Caribbean island of Haiti has left around 200,000 people dead and many more seriously injured.
The epicentre of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake was just 16 kilometres from the capital Port-au-Prince. Much of the city is made up of slums and poorly constructed houses that could not withstand the force of the earthquake.
Homes, government buildings, offices and hotels all lie in ruins. An estimated 1.5 million people are homeless with most still living out on the streets or in makeshift camps.
Hospitals are struggling to cope with the large numbers of injured people. The water system has been destroyed and the lack of clean water is raising fears of a public health crisis and a possible second disaster caused by serious waterborne diseases.
There is an urgent need for emergency food, clean water, shelter and medical care for those whose lives have been shattered by this tragedy.
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, and struggles from endemic poverty, food shortages and violence. It has suffered from many recent natural disasters including serious hurricanes and storms in 2008.
Islamic Relief has launched an appeal to help those affected by the earthquake.