I don't mean to criticize current relief efforts; my only point is that help is coming slow. This is, unfortunately, to be expected. The UN is overrun, roads are blocked, and it's more than just an organizational catastrophe. At the very least, efforts are being made. With any luck, the help that still hasn't arrived or hasn't had the ability to help yet will be able to rescue the majority, if not all, of those trapped underneath buildings and provide medical aid to all who need it. Let's hope for the best folks.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Help in Help in Haiti is arriving late
Many countries have sent help to Haiti, but apparently the help isn't helping very much. It's taking time for planes to land, and the roads via which help can arrive are filled not only with blockages, but with the dead. Current estimates suggest that between 45 and 50 thousand people are dead, with over 3 million people having been affected in some way (that's a THIRD of the population). Help is still supposedly on the way, but it's coming to slowly. Obama has promised a considerable amount of aid. But, besides the 50 thousand dead, there are probably hundreds or thousands more trapped under the ruins of collapsed buildings, and they have limited time. UN vehicles patrol open streets keeping the peace, but they're not actually providing help. Other countries, however, have managed to supply some degree of help. England, China, and Cuba either have rescue teams there, or, in Cuba's case, had doctors there before the quake (they're now being quite helpful).
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9 comments:
"I don't mean to criticize current relief efforts; my only point is that help is coming slow. This is, unfortunately, to be expected. The UN is overrun, roads are blocked, and it's more than just an organizational catastrophe. At the very least, efforts are being made."
This is the truth here. I know this is just an update to your previous post but I don't understand how some people, not you, may conceive the idea of instant relief. It's just not practical. However, we're doing our best to assist them in any way possible. That is what ultimately matters.
They only have one airport in haiti and it only has one run way. its costing people millions of dollars go get there and give there time to help. Im just greatfull that people are helping even if it is slow going they ARE trying.
Something that I was surprised and disappointed to hear: the donations via text are extremely substantial, $9 million as of yesterday, but aren't going to get there soon enough to make a good difference. Americans Pledge Millions, but Cash Flow Takes Week.
I think this is a shame, in light of the fact that money through more direct outlets would be more effective and have more possibility to save lives. The urgency of the situation, and how it's compounded by the chaos and disorganization, is apparent. Today is said to be the last viable days to save those who are trapped in rubble, after which efforts are primarily going to be providing aid to Haitian survivors.
Yes, I do take back the catastrophe part, because it remains a catastrophe. But if the tsunami warning has remained cancelled, I still consider it a bit of luck, and it means that we might actually be able to rescue someone without fear of another terrifying event.
Although it is taking a while for assistance to come, I'm glad that many people are doing whatever they can to help. I was reading the news and many celebrities are donating and encouraging others to donate.
We've got a slightly bigger problem than just providing relief; there are riots breaking out in Haiti because of lack of resources. It's going to be even harder to distribute supplies to people who really need them because the people who are in better health condition are physically taking them while the needy does not have enough strength to even retrieve aid.
It's strange how we make it seem like we blame ourselves for the disaster in Haiti.
Wake up guys, we're not accountable for what happens in Haiti. We're extending our hand of goodwill and sympathy for them, and here we are beating ourselves up over how slow assistance is arriving. At least we're doing something.
I'll throw in my share of pity as well.
After all, it's totally okay to let Kevin suffer in alienation, but let's not forsake the Haitians (sarcasm for those of you who don't get it).
Wow, I'm already done commenting for the week. Two short comments per week really aren't a lot.
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