The Earthquake in Haiti

Watching the reports of the January 12 earthquake on Haiti along with the aftermath that has affected the nation is a tough thing to watch. It is bad enough that the country was going through a serious debt and high unemployment problems, but now with the devastation of the quake, it made the situation even worse now. While watching the news about the earthquake on network news, cable news and BBC World News during the first few days after the quake and hearing about how the residents did not receive any help (medical care, water, food, etc.) along with seeing bodies laying in the street and the total destruction caused by the disaster reminded me of what took place nearly 4 and a half years ago with Hurricane Katrina, which affected the Gulf Coast. The quake was worst because it left so much death and destruction in its wake. Finally, help did arrive, on January 16, however, many of the residents did not the attention that they deserved because of government red tape and the delivery of food and water to the people was very slow (too slow if you ask me.) Right now, the residents are getting the basic essentials in a timely manner, but they need help now!

Money


People all around the United States has donated millions of dollars to
the American Red Cross, AmeriCares, Yele and other organizations whether it is by check, credit card, or through a text message. When you donate, make sure that the money is directly going to the citizens of Haiti and not into the pockets of someone who want to take advantage of the situation. Hopefully, people have learned the lesson from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where millions of dollars were raised through donations in September 2005, but if you look at the Gulf Coast nearly five years later, there are area of the region that hasn't been rebuilt yet along with the fact that some people are still living in trailers instead of being in a newly built home.

Food and Water

People must donate as much food and water as they possibly can. When it come to food, they should donate can goods, instant food where you can just add water (potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and so on) bread, etc. But make sure you check the expiration date before you donate it. If people want to send bottled water or those 5-gallon bottles, make sure that the bottles are properly sealed for protection.

Medical Supplies


This is for those who work in the medical field. Sent as many rubber gloves, scalpels, masks,medical wraps, plasma, scissors and enough personnel to Haiti as soon as possible. Watching the news and hearing that the doctors and surgeons had to cut off someone's limb by using old and rusty supplies or they had to improvise by using what was available (ex. hacksaw) was tough to
hear. If you are a doctor or surgeon, you need the right tools to handle any surgery correctly without the fear of making the patient's condition worse than it is right now and they need
those tools ASAP.

Clothes


People should donate whether clothes that they either don't wear anymore, or the clothes that do have are too small or too big. Donate t-shirts, pants, regular shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, shoes, etc. but don't send winter clothes to Haiti because the temperature in the country during this time of year are in the 80s. But if you want to send a lightweight jacket ,you can do that too.

Summary

The people of Haiti need our help right now as I write this post. Do what you can to help out the situation in Port-Au-Prince.