Humanitarian Aid For Haiti
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake, such as the one that rocked Haiti on Tuesday, was said to have released a force equal to that of a half a million TONS of high explosives. This region has not seen an earthquake of this magnitude in over 250 years. Scientists are able to predict, with astonishing accuracy where earthquakes will occur, however nothing can predict exactly when, or the destruction that will follow in its wake.
Astounding Numbers Affected
In 2004, just one day after Christmas, Indonesia was struck with such catastrophic devastation by an earthquake that was recorded to have an approximate 9.4 magnitude. Shortly afterward a horrific Tsunami was triggered, as a result. People throughout the world witnessed the graphic effects, through news media, as video footage was played of the actual Tsunami coming onshore and literally wiping out buildings, automobiles and people. The final numbers of loss of life may never truly be known, but those numbers are estimated as being in upwards of almost 230,000 lives in fourteen countries, as a result. These numbers are merely estimates, due to not knowing the exact population in the regions that were so hard hit. Catastrophic events such as this, not only cause the destruction of buildings or loss of life, the effects have caused widespread homelessness, children being orphaned and families literally being erased. Poor construction of buildings is a major factor in the extent of loss of life that is experienced in areas or countries of very low economic means. Places such as Japan and California implemented standards that must be adhered to in the construction of buildings so as to minimize the devastation if and when these events occur.
Worldwide Humanitarian Effort
Countries all around the world are mobilizing teams for humanitarian aid and sending in supplies to aid in the rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts. The area is not yet considered safe, due to the risk of high magnitude aftershocks that will bring down already damaged buildings and hamper rescue efforts for tho
se trapped in the rubble of destroyed buildings. The government of Haiti has already requested aid from any and all countries from around the world and humanitarian groups such as the Red Cross and Mercy Corps are asking for volunteers and supplies to send to the country. The immediate need for the people of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti is as obvious as the widespread devastation. It is now time for people, as a whole, to come together to aid this country and its people. Aftershocks are being reported, as the one that occurred around 6:00AM EST, with a magnitude of 6.0. This is not only causing absolute terror for these people; who have already suffered such devastating loses to life and property, but in addition it is hampering rescue and recovery efforts and adding to the destruction of already damaged buildings. I can only reiterate the fact that aid is needed both in search and rescue, medical care, food and water and basic necessities for everyday living. ANY assistance that can be offered or sent can only stand to help the situation.
Accusations of French Government
The president of France has accused the United States Government and its military of occupying the country, due to the massive numbers of military personnel that are being sent in an effort to offer humanitarian aid to this devastated country and its people. For someone to accuse the United States of occupying Haiti is ludicrous and without merit. The military is present only for the purpose of offering aid. Let's look at some facts.
Astounding Numbers Affected
In 2004, just one day after Christmas, Indonesia was struck with such catastrophic devastation by an earthquake that was recorded to have an approximate 9.4 magnitude. Shortly afterward a horrific Tsunami was triggered, as a result. People throughout the world witnessed the graphic effects, through news media, as video footage was played of the actual Tsunami coming onshore and literally wiping out buildings, automobiles and people. The final numbers of loss of life may never truly be known, but those numbers are estimated as being in upwards of almost 230,000 lives in fourteen countries, as a result. These numbers are merely estimates, due to not knowing the exact population in the regions that were so hard hit. Catastrophic events such as this, not only cause the destruction of buildings or loss of life, the effects have caused widespread homelessness, children being orphaned and families literally being erased. Poor construction of buildings is a major factor in the extent of loss of life that is experienced in areas or countries of very low economic means. Places such as Japan and California implemented standards that must be adhered to in the construction of buildings so as to minimize the devastation if and when these events occur.
Worldwide Humanitarian Effort
Countries all around the world are mobilizing teams for humanitarian aid and sending in supplies to aid in the rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts. The area is not yet considered safe, due to the risk of high magnitude aftershocks that will bring down already damaged buildings and hamper rescue efforts for tho
Accusations of French Government
The president of France has accused the United States Government and its military of occupying the country, due to the massive numbers of military personnel that are being sent in an effort to offer humanitarian aid to this devastated country and its people. For someone to accuse the United States of occupying Haiti is ludicrous and without merit. The military is present only for the purpose of offering aid. Let's look at some facts.
- The USNS Comfort is operated by the United States Navy.
- This vessel is a floating, self sustained medical facility, which provided humanitarian aid to Guatemala
- While in Guatemala their staff treated 14,526 patients on shore and 1,600 at its facilities on board the ship. (All of this was provided as humanitarian aid.)
- The hospital in the city of Port-Au-Prince has been completely destroyed, rendering them incapable of treating patients themselves.
Tags & Keywords : life, michelle c lane, articles, humanitarian aid, haiti, earthquake,
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