Obama calls Haitian president to pledge 'full support'

President Barack Obama on Friday called Haitian President René Préval to express the full support of the U.S. with the earthquake relief effort now underwat there.

In the 30 minute call with the Haitian leader, Obama committed the U.S. to both the immediate recovery effort and the long-term rebuilding effort. The president expressed similar sentiments in public statements delivered at the White House on Wednesday and Thursday.

The president has reportedly been unable to reach Préval for days due to the devastating earthquake's effect on the already crumbling infrastructure in Haiti.

Hundreds of thousands of people are thought to be dead and property damage in the capital of Port-au-Prince is untold.

According to a readout of the call provided by the White House, Préval closed by saying to Americans, “from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the Haitian people, thank you, thank you, thank you.”