Haitian Embassy establishes command center

Haitian Ambassador Raymond Joseph today announced the formation of a "command center" that will be based at the embassy and will coordinate the massive local response to the earthquake in Haiti.

D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, who joined the ambassador at the press conference said the city is scrambling to find space to hold the more than 2,000 bags of items that were donated during a drive this weekend.

While the goods are welcome, the pair reiterated their plea that the public focus on monetary donations.

In memory of quake victims, Joseph said the flag at the embassy will be lowered to half staff at 4:53 p.m. -- the time at which the 7.0 quake struck Haiti, one week ago today.

-- Hamil R. Harris