The island of Haiti looks like the beginning of the Apocalypse. This quake was centered about 35 miles northwest of Port-au-Prince. Three million people’s lives were shattered by this unbelievable 7.0 Earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12, 2010. It may have killed an estimated 200,000. The real number may never be known. There are at least 250,000 injured and over 1.4 million are homeless. After the original quake, two powerful 5.9 and 5.5 aftershocks hit the island on January 20, 2010. Haiti has been plagued by numerous aftershocks which caused more damage and further devastation.
It took a while to get the airport at Port-au-Prince functioning to bring aid into this devastated country. The roads were either completely destroyed or blocked by debris, phones and power was shut down. It took awhile to get the wheels of aid in motion. Victims were brought into the hospitals by wheelbarrows or pick-up trucks to an under staffed and over exhausted medical workers. Many of the hospitals, especially in Port-au-Prince were almost destroyed.
- People were screaming and crying and the anguish these people experienced can never be measured. There are rows of corpses and blood everywhere. People stood there powerless to help the people they loved. This is something none of us would want to experience. Many did what they could to lift huge concrete slabs looking for victims and some were discovered by following the swarming flies. Day after day, the screams of pain and grief pierce through the air.
- Many Haitians’ fled to the countryside where the quake did little damage, and it seemed like a safer place to be, especially with the reoccurring aftershocks. But is it? For years Haitians have cut down trees for fuel and with this widespread deforestation. There isn’t anything to hold back the soil to prevent mud slides. This will cause further deaths and destruction. In 2004, Hurricane Jeanne killed 3,000 people and many of the deaths were due to landslides. This earthquake and its numerous aftershocks will contribute to further landslides.
- Some people have resorted to looting and have carried away items for survival, and many others are looting and hurting people for selfish gain. Many people are singing hymns and begging God to help them. Help did come from The United States, Britain, China, Cuba, and numerous other nations. These countries along with countless people throughout the world have been raising funds and man power to help this impoverished and devastated country.
- The damage and recovery will run into the billions of dollars. This country may never fully recover from the devastation that is on a monumental scale. According to Dr. Paul Farmer of the Partners of Health, 20,000 Haitians are dying daily that could be saved by surgery.
- According to Televangelist Pat Robertson, a right-wing religious leader and founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, he believed this earthquake was a punishment from God. The Haitians “swore a pact to the devil” in order to gain their freedom from the French.
Is this another sign that the last days are upon us?
Is this just a natural disaster?
Is man prepared to help in Cataclysmic events?
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