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Haiti, Two Years Later
David, Washington International SchoolFebruary 22, 2012
NEWS
Two years ago, on the 12th of January, Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake. With a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale, it was the largest earthquake that had hit the region in 200 years. According to the Haitian government, it left an estimated 316,000 people dead, 300,000 injured and over 1,000,000 displaced.
Approaching the second year of its ill-fated anniversary, the mood in Haiti is still somber. Some of the promises made by the international community following the aftermath of the earthquake have yet to materialize. On one hand, some countries that have pledged money have recanted due to their own economic woes and on the other, the Haitian government itself, which was in disarray until recently, has not proven to be a reliable partner. For example, it took eight months for the Haitian parliament to finally ratify the prime minister of the newly elected Martelly government. “Responding to this type of situation and the tremendous outpour of support required a strong government able to structure the redevelopment effort and able to create an environment of accountability in which clear objectives were set and in which people were held accountable for the deliverables to which they’d signed up. Lacking this, we saw an explosion of uncoordinated aid pouring in from foreign donor nations, international organizations, companies, stars and missionary groups” said Haitian businessman Robin Padberg.
The Inter-American Development Bank estimated that the total cost of the disaster was between $8 billion and $14 billion. Considering that Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, this has been a terrible blow to the country’s infrastructure, which was already in dire straights before the catastrophe. It is heartbreaking to see that two years later, Haiti is still in shambles. However, with the help of foreign aid and non-profit organizations, Haiti is very slowly picking itself back up.
During my most recent trip to Haiti, the first thing I noticed was how damaged the country still is. The roads are in bad condition, many of the buildings along the streets remain in ruins, the traffic is unbearable due to the overabundance of street vendors, and worst of all, one million plus are still displaced and homeless after the earthquake. The country’s needs are unparalleled, and the numerous relief efforts can hardly keep up with them. But in spite of what one sees at first, the reality is that advances are gradually being made.
Emotions are running high at this time of the year. “Today many pause and think back to two years ago. Many still cry at the loss of loved-ones” said Mr. Padberg. The 12th of January was a day of sadness, grievance and heartache, not only in Haiti but all over the world. Including our own community at the Washington International School. “I feel torn up inside to know that two years have gone by, and there’s still so much damage in Haiti that needs to be repaired” said Haitian 11th grader Magalie Chenet-Smith. “I hope that with the compassion and hopes of the people, Haiti will be able to bring itself alive again and be at peace in the very near future.”
Some people remain hopeful about Haiti’s future, while others less so. But if there is one thing that is for sure, it is that Haiti still needs help. One of the easiest ways to help is by donating to non-profit organizations. There are hundreds of different organizations that accept donations, examples being ‘Hope for Haiti’, ‘Save the Children’ and ‘The Lambi Fund’. Donate to these organizations and help make 2012 the year of reconstruction.
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