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AFP - Facebook launched a "Global Relief" page Thursday that helps members assist victims of natural disasters such as the earthquake that hammered impoverished Haiti.

"The devastating earthquake in Haiti has underscored the Internet's critical role in connecting the world's population in times of tragedy," Facebook spokesman Andrew Noyes said in a statement.

"In response to this and in anticipation of future disasters, Facebook has launched the Global Relief on a Facebook page where our more than 350 million members can educate themselves and find out how to help."

The Facebook spokesman said that since Tuesday's 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti, more than 1,500 status updates a minute have been posted to Facebook containing the word "Haiti."

"Thousands of dollars have been raised through Facebook Causes and groups like the American Red Cross, Oxfam America and Partners in Health have mobilized supporters through their Facebook pages," Noyes said.

"We hope the Global Relief on Facebook page will thrive as a resource for individuals, non-profits, governments and industry to raise awareness of the good being done for those in need around the world."

The Global Relief on Facebook page is located at facebook.com/globalrelief.