Wyclef Jean has called on the international community to offer emergency assistance to Haiti, which was hit by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake.

Thousands may have died as a result of the quake, which hit the Caribbean nation around 5pm ET on Tuesday (Jan. 12).

Haiti-born Jean issued a statement calling for assistance.

"Haiti today faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced," said Wyclef Jean last night. "The magnitude 7.0 earthquake - and several very strong aftershocks - struck only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince. I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now."

He added: "President Obama has already said that the U.S. stands 'ready to assist' the Haitian people. The U.S. Military is the only group trained and prepared to offer that assistance immediately. They must do so as soon as possible. The international community must also rise to the occasion and help the Haitian people in every way possible."

People can help the disaster relief effort by using their cell phone to text "Yele" to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund. The $5 will be charged to your cell phone bill. Alternatively, you can visit www.Yele.org and click on Donate Now.

"Your money will help with relief efforts," Jean added on Twitter. "They need our help - please help if you can."

He said he is now on his way to Haiti, via the Dominican Republic.

"Pray for the people of Haiti [and] me please," Jean wrote. He is a roving ambassador for Haiti and provides aid and assistance through his Yele Haiti foundation.