On January 12, 2010 at 4:53 pm an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude struck Port-au-Price Haïti. Structures of all kinds were damaged or collapsed, from shantytown homes to national landmarks. Including the Presidential Palace, The National Assembly building, the Port-au-Prince Cathedral and the main Jail. Killing and injuring thousands of people. Leaving so many homeless and children instantly orphaned. This was the largest recorded earthquake to ever hit the small Island. This disaster is the latest to befall the country of about 9 million people. Haïti is the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation and among the poorest in the world.
With people stripping the trees for fuel and to clear land for agriculture, the mountainous countryside has been heavily deforested. That has led to severe erosion and left Haitians vulnerable to massive landslides when heavy rains fall.
It is good to hear that many countries have responded to appeals for humanitarian aid. Many countries pledging funds and sending rescue and
medical teams. Unfortunately, because of the earthquake, communication systems, air, land and sea transport facilities,
hospitals and electrical networks were damaged, which slowed down rescue and aid efforts.
It will take time for Haïti to be rebuilt, at 10 years of hard work awaits the country. Port-auPrince, the Capital, will have to be intirely rebuilt, including agriculture, reforestation and building new roads. Which, honestly, Haïti has long been needing. I look forward to seeing Haïti rebuilt and strong!
L’union fet la force!
Urth
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