Haiti in Rubbles

Undoubtedly one of the worst catastrophic events of recent times – that was the essence of UN Secretary General’s assessment of the earthquake that struck Haiti and its aftermath.

The earthquake hit Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, on January 12 . It was of the magnitude 7 on the Richter scale. It was indisputably a massive one. The misery it has caused is indeed alarming. As many as two hundred thousand people are suspected to have been killed. The only other quake of a greater magnitude recorded so far, (Richter magnitude 9.5), occurred off the coast of Chile in 1960.

The first images of the calamity I saw were that telecast by BBC. It was painful to see scores of panic–stricken people running about streets and one especially distressful was of a woman in despair, wailing that it was the end of the world. Since then there have been strings of reports and photographs streaming out of Haiti. Most of these are as discomforting as the first ones to filter out of that country.

 Amidst the confusion and chaos there have been some striking responses from various quarters. Countries and individuals are queuing up to offer their best help possible. USA, Haiti’s erstwhile colonist (they occupied Haiti in 1915-1934), was swift to swing into action. Under the leadership of its president, USA has been preparing to launch a coordinated aid at a war footing. The UN Secretary General ,Ban Ki moon, showed no tardiness either in visiting the affected areas and promising the affected aid. However, more inspiring news is of ordinary people pooling their resources through the internet and other media to help those in distress.

On the other hand, the ground situation in Haiti, as is being reported in various media, is uninspiring. Aid has still not reached people fully. Consequently, looters and vandals are apparently growing by day. Very few survivors have been able to see daylight thus far.

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in Americas. The people were already reeling under civil unrest and poverty. The quake has only multiplied their sufferings.

One hopes that order is restored in Haiti quickly, concerted efforts save more lives, aids alleviate the widespread misery and that people are able to tide over this calamity.

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