Haiti begins recovery process after disastrous earthquake
Posted by The Skyliner on January 27th, 2010
Julie Cobb
Staff Writer
On January 12, southern Haiti experienced a massive earthquake that registered a 7.0 on the Richter scale.
The earthquake leveled buildings and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Ten miles from the earthquake’s epicenter, Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital, sustained the most damage.
The United States Geological Survey is calling the earthquake the strongest to hit Haiti since 1770.
The death toll has risen to 77,000, but it is expected to reach 200,000. An estimated 2 million people are without homes.
Due to the massive number of casualties and injuries, the dead are being piled along the streets and the wounded are being forced to wait for treatment, causing the fear of disease to grow.
“People aren’t getting treated quick enough. If you have untreated wounds, then you have the risk for infection, and infection of wounds is a major secondary cause of death,” said Paul Garwood, a spokesman for the World Health Organization’s Health Action in Crises team.
While the sound of weeping fills the air, the sound of voices raised in prayer is also heard.
“I heard something on the radio, though, where people were joining hands and singing in Haiti despite everything going on.” said Emily Larkins, sophomore accounting. “We’re all praying for Haiti, in the classes and the dorms.”
Over a billion dollars in aid has been sent to Haiti from around the world, but aftershocks and other factors have hindered the process of getting the aid to those who need it most.
“I think it is very sad what the people of Haiti are going through. It must be devastating to see all the destruction that the earthquake has caused. I think that it is awesome that people are sending money to help these people,” said Courtney Finley, junior elementary education.
Along with aid, rescue teams from around the world have landed in Haiti in order to help save more lives and help get Haiti back on its feet.
North Greenville University would like to send a team of students to help, but, due to the extreme conditions, will wait until the situation in Haiti stabilizes.
In an e-mail to the student body, Allen McWhite, director of global missions, wrote, “At this time, no plans are in the works to send a university team to Haiti. We are being discouraged from that at this time due to the continuing chaos on the ground and the lack of proper infrastructure to accommodate volunteer teams. As you are certainly aware, the needs on this island will continue to be great for months to come. As soon as we have some idea of how and when a possible volunteer team may be helpful, we will certainly let you know.”
If you would like to help the nation of Haiti, you can text HAITI to 90999. If you would like to give money to the International Mission Board through NGU, you can give your donation to either Jody Jennings, Director of the NGU Baptist Student Union, or Andy Fisher, Administrative Assistant. Be sure to make all checks payable to North Greenville University.
All proceeds given to NGU will go directly to the relief efforts in Haiti.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 1