Wednesday, January 13, 2010

7.0 earthquake devastates Haiti

This is the strongest quake in the region in over 200 years.

We all know how terrible a strong quake like this is in an area like Southern California that has a strong infrastructure and emergency services. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. There is barely any infrastructure.

The phone lines are down and most of the buildings in the capitol have collapsed, including the Presidential Palace and the UN headquarters. Experts worry the death toll will be quite high.

My heart goes out to the Haitian people. The island cannot seem to catch a break.

NYTimes article here.

11 comments:

gibber said...

We can't reach any of the boy's family and his dad was supposed to BE IN HAITI yesterday, but didn't go because he wasn't feeling well. Freaks me out.

gibber said...

As you saw, we reached his uncle and cousin. I don't think people understand the amount of devestation that has happened. I don't think people really know how crowded PaP is and how many people live right on top of each other in places like Cité Soleil in makeshift homes. So sad.

Unknown said...


What measurable life now there! I would like to apply to the people who have a ability to help them please help. Who have no ability to help at least pray for them.

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

gibber - I'm so glad M's family is okay. Did you ever see that documentary Cite di Soliel? If not Netflix it.

Dr. Currie - More news is starting to come out. None of it good. I hope the money people send for relief goes to the people not any corrupt leaders.

glamah16 said...

Tragic. Im cant think of anything else today.

Groommama said...

Sad, Sad, Sad...hope everyone's family is okay...the telephone system is probably down. Pray...hope everything is well in the end.

Gil said...

The US news reports tell of people getting through via Skype and text messaging. I'm praying and donating to our Diocese's Haitian Mission.

Unknown said...

Prayers are with the people of Haiti. I ended up donating to Doctors Without Boarders in hope that what support is given helps those in need...

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

ciao tutti - the good thing there are many great and efficient organizations who are aiding in the relief effort.

hopefully the death toll will not be as high as the guestimates.

Anonymous said...

Heartbreaking.

Liane Spicer said...

This is so hard for me to process. There just seems to be no end to the suffering of our Caribbean neighbours.