The Tragic Disaster In...

Yes, Haiti.

On the evening of Tuesday, 12 January, the people of Haiti were struck by an astonishing 7.0 magnitude earthquake with another 33 recorded aftershocks of about 5.0 to 5.9 magnitude. The earthquake, including the aftershocks, claimed about 110,000 lives. Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, and other settlements in the Haitian region were caused major damage with many notable landmarks destroyed as a result of the horrifying disaster.

After the earthquake, mothers and fathers could be seen searching for their children, children searching for their parents and some crying over the loss of their loved ones. To the elderly there, their experience in this disaster could be described as worse than the war and revolutions they have been through in the past. This will no doubt cause tears to well up in some of our eyes. Many people were now homeless, many suffering from physical and emotional damage. With homes and family members lost, what more can the people lose? Although many associations and world organisations such as the Red Cross have contributed their help in providing food and medicals supplies, no one would be able to make up for the psychological impact in the hearts of the Haiti residents.

The worse thing is that, people of Haiti have been fighting one another over a mere packet of food and water. Good friends could turn out hurting each other just for their own survival in the earthquake-damaged area. Haiti is one of the poorest and least-developed countries in the Americas, with the average monthly pay at around $60.

So, as students, since we are unable to provide our support in the form of supplies, I think we can just pray for the affected people of Haiti that they would be able to get through this tough period with strong wills. What do you think? Please share your views.

Posted on Term 1 Week 4