Let’s be clear: “Disaster” doesn’t quite describe the situation in the western hemisphere’s poorest nation. “Catastrophe” doesn’t seem strong enough, either. It’s that bad at this point.

For starters, the UN headquarters building has collapsed. Gone. A large number of the organization’s personnel are unaccounted for.

The United States embassy, which seems to still be intact, is working on locating its own personnel and citizens of Haiti about whom Americans are inquiring. If you’re an American citizen concerned about relatives in Haiti, the State Department has established a phone line you can call: 1-888-407-4747.

There are reports that the United States is preparing to mobilize rescue and recovery assets, from the U.S. military to search teams consisting of dozens of personnel and rescue dogs. Tons of rescue equipment will be mobilized as well.

The Federal Aviation Administration and Miami center report that they can not establish communications with Port-au-Prince’s air traffic control center. Flights will not be permitted to depart for the country until communication has been restored.

Update: Anderson Cooper is hearing reports that the Montana Hotel, a western hotel stays at in Port-Au-Prince, has just been destroyed. About fifteen aftershocks so far.