U.S. military response

President Barack Obama dispatched military troops and an air and sea flotilla to speed earthquake relief to Haiti on Wednesday, and governments from China to Venezuela rushed to help with aid and rescue workers, as well. Obama said the world’s help was critical to deal with a “cruel and incomprehensible” tragedy. The U.S. response included ships, helicopters, transport planes and possibly a 2,000-member Marine unit.

Damage inestimable

Tuesday’s magnitude-7.0 earthquake brought down entire neighborhoods, the National Palace, hospitals, schools and the main prison, flattening much of Port-au-Prince, the capital of 2 million people. President Rene Preval said thousands were probably killed. Leading Sen. Youri Latortue told The Associated Press that 500,000 could be dead, but conceded that nobody really knows.

Americans in country

U.S. officials were checking reports of at least three American deaths. Few of the estimated 45,000 Americans living in Haiti had been able to communicate with U.S. officials and verify they were safe. Americans trying to locate relatives are urged to contact the State Department at 1-888-407-4747. Kansas family tries to contact son: See story, page 3A.