We are all reeling as we watch CNN show the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti. It was a kind of “perfect storm” disaster. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake is the largest in the area for over 200 years. What made it even more destructive was that it was so shallow, only about 5 miles deep. The epicenter was just outside the high population density city of Port-au Prince.
Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere so building are usually built with little or no iron rod support. The presidential palace used to have two stories. Most of the buildings in the 2 million population city are in far worse condition. Some are saying that the city has virtually been destroyed.
Nearly 40% of the population is under 14 years of age, this, in spite of the fact that 1 in 10 children die before reaching the age of 5. One person reported seeing children running through the streets crying and searching for their parents.
The president of Haiti is estimating that 50,000 people have died. Some say the numbers will go higher.
We are thankful to have World Relief International as our main partner for disaster response. CWR provides funding once a year to WRI so that when a disaster happens the relief work can begin immediately using the CWR funds on hand. WRI has staff on the ground, though not all have been accounted for. The WRI disaster response team is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Emergency kits with items like food, water, and blankets are being prepared for distribution.
If you would like to donate to the Haiti Earthquake Relief please go here.
