Haiti, it seems, is prone to incredible misfortune. In the past several years, the country of nine million has been hit badly by hurricanes. In a small stroke of luck, the tsunami watch for the country has been cancelled, so it seems that the population will have at least a little respite from catastrophe.
When this kind of disaster hits, I think it a little reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina (not the same type of natural disaster, but still a disaster nonetheless). The US handled that situation poorly, but at the very least the US had the resources to do something. This country has nothing, apparently 80% of the population lives in destitution. These people have no means to help themselves, and while I'm sure the world's aid will be forthcoming, there is no way it will be enough. This is beyond regrettable, and it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Why is this country, the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, so unlucky? While I wish that this had not happened at all, I believe the aftershocks would have been less had it occurred in a country better equipped to handle the situation.
7 comments:
This is very unfortunate. We should commit any available and expendable resources possible to Haiti. Maybe we can redeem our image by supporting them? Hopefully ...
And we complain about Avatar ...
-Andrew Oxendine 3*
This is extremely depressing. I find this type of news as such a reality check, because there are so many people who are a lot less fortunate than we are and yet we complain about little things like having a lot of homework where as they have to deal with thier whole country being destroyed. And though this would be a disastrous event anywhere, I do agree that it would be better if it had occurred somewhere more well equipped to handle the after math.
I guess when it comes to things like this all we can really do is be thankful for what we have and somehow offer our help if possible.
This is really saddening. The country pretty much as nothing and now they have to deal with the horrible effects of the earthquake. In addition, many people may not be able to receive help due to hospitals collapsing. This just shows that we need to make sure that we're always prepared for natural disasters.
I was just watching all the CNN coverage on this at the gym. The images are horrible...bodies strewn in the streets. It is very reminiscent of the Katrina disaster in the respect that it is mostly low income refugees and victims. As if they needed one more thing to worry about...:/
It already looks as if relief will be just as inadequate, if not more, than in Katrina. CNN mentioned a lot about overwhelmed relief crews. It's hard to blame this on anyone (unlike the Katrina situation) because Haiti is such a poor nation to begin with. Considering their nation's status, would more preparation have been probable?
As always, the cynical pessimistic side of me is always wondering if the economic status of these people will effect the amount of aid available. If a rich, suburban area were hit with disaster, would they be helped quicker? However, the fact that Haiti will have such a hard time helping itself could work for them and provide more help...what do you guys think?
-Katie Jensen
With thousands dead and even more unaccounted for in Haiti right now, this is a huge disaster. The world came to help us when 9/11 happened, so now the world needs to send relief to Haiti. I have seen and read multiple articles on the earthquake in Haiti and the result is not good. Right now, Haiti needs relief help immediately. Thousands are still trapped and more people are going to die as each day passes.
While a 7.0 earthquake is going ot do damage, I agree that the outcome was a lot worse because of the situation the country of Haiti is in. The buildings were probably not built under earthquake standards and this possibly could have contributed to the massive disaster. Although it seems horrible, I think it is true that there was a lot more damage because Haiti is a poor country.
I agree with Catherine that we should all realize how lucky we are to live where we live and to have all that we have. I think everyone could agree that we all complain about things that we really shouldn't be complaining about because in the whole spectrum of things it probably is pretty insignificant.
When comparing the situation in Haiti to the situation in Louisiana, I really hope relief comes a lot faster. Hopefully, the government in Haiti can help in some way and prevent the whole country from turning into total chaos...I feel like there is nothing I can really do to help besides, donating water, food, or other goods to be sent to Haiti...anyone have any other ideas of how to help?
I heard on the news that Obama is proposing for at least 100 million dollars to help Haiti. He also said that he told his cabinet to put Haiti has its top priority. This disaster has been the biggest earthquake in Haiti in two hundred years!
The situation in Haiti is tragic. I was talking about it with my family at dinner yesterday, and we realized that Haiti's development was in the absolutely worst point for an earthquake to hit; they were advanced enough to have tall cement buildings that are now trapping people/caused damage, but not enough to have building codes. If they did not have the buildings they did, perhaps not as many people would be injured. On the other hand, without these buildings, there seems to be no hope for improvement. I guess they're stuck between a rock and a hard place.
One of the really sad parts is, though, that so many people who desperately need medical care within the next few weeks may not receive it. However, among many efforts to help Haiti (including UN action), the US has sent navy ships with hospitals on them to help aid the Haitian people. Hopefully, we can use the many benefits we have as a powerful and advanced country to help these poor people...
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