Haitian Earthquake

[JayW]

Since they are "over there" it is all to easy to lose sight of the severity of their plight from this disaster. The devastation is unimaginable. The number of dead and severely injured is beyond my capability to grasp. No doubt many more will die from lack of basic health assistance or even clean water. Haiti is among the poorest nations in the world and the people can can do little to help themselves at this point. My heart and prayers go out to them. What can we do besides pray?

 

Jay

[Ken H.]

What can we do besides pray?

Make a donation today to your favorite disaster relief agency.

[Slyder_Steve]

Jay,

This article lists a bunch of relief agencies involved.

 

Haiti earthquake

 

No connection to any of the agencies and not intentionally promoting the news org.

 

Slyder

[David]

I was scheduled to be in Port au Prince and Cap Haitien next week, but that's not happening.

[upflying]

While I am saddened and horrified about the news, it may eventually be a blessing in disguise.

Haiti doesn't have much of an emergency services infrastructure much less any form of Uniform Building Codes.

When the dust settles and the devastating nature of the disaster is fully determined, I would imagine a better Haiti will be reconstructed out of the ashes.

Most if not all reconstruction aid will no doubt come from the UN and the USA.

[lawnchairboy]

if you are in the military, you can pack your seabag. I have.

[Selden]

Even for Haiti, this one is really horrible. If there is anywhere that deserves to be called "hell on earth" Haiti is that place.

[UberXY]

What can we do besides pray?

 

Jay

 

I just volunteered to go to Haiti with a local group that builds medical clinics. Waiting to hear the details now.

 

As for what we can do immediately, my guess is that donating to the Red Cross or whatever may be the most effective first step.

[Selden]

Other than volunteering to go, the most effective private response is money. The Red Cross is probably the best bet, as they have a proven record.

 

Some tigers never change their stripes:

 

In an extraordinary statement during a broadcast on Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcast Network on Wednesday, the American televangelist claimed that the reason for Haiti’s misfortunes was that the nation “swore a pact to the devil” two centuries ago.

[Paul Mihalka]

Other than volunteering to go, the most effective private response is money. The Red Cross is probably the best bet, as they have a proven record.

 

Some tigers never change their stripes:

 

In an extraordinary statement during a broadcast on Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcast Network on Wednesday, the American televangelist claimed that the reason for Haiti’s misfortunes was that the nation “swore a pact to the devil” two centuries ago.

How ridiculous can they get! The worst part is there are some (many?) people who believe that crap!

[JayW]

Other than volunteering to go, the most effective private response is money. The Red Cross is probably the best bet, as they have a proven record.

 

Some tigers never change their stripes:

 

In an extraordinary statement during a broadcast on Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcast Network on Wednesday, the American televangelist claimed that the reason for Haiti’s misfortunes was that the nation “swore a pact to the devil” two centuries ago.

 

How pathetic. Such foolish statements make all of us Christians look bad. It makes me angry.

Jay

[Nice n Easy Rider]

Other than volunteering to go, the most effective private response is money. The Red Cross is probably the best bet, as they have a proven record.

 

Some tigers never change their stripes:

 

In an extraordinary statement during a broadcast on Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcast Network on Wednesday, the American televangelist claimed that the reason for Haiti’s misfortunes was that the nation “swore a pact to the devil” two centuries ago.

 

How pathetic. Such foolish statements make all of us Christians look bad. It makes me angry.

Jay

There is nothing Christian about Pat Robertson. I'm not even sure there is anything human about him.

[FlyingFinn]

Some tigers never change their stripes:

 

In an extraordinary statement during a broadcast on Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcast Network on Wednesday, the American televangelist claimed that the reason for Haiti’s misfortunes was that the nation “swore a pact to the devil” two centuries ago.

 

That guy's an ass. This latest demonstration of his Christian solidarity and compassion just reaffirms what we learned off him based on the comments he made in 2005 about people of Dover, PA. "I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God. You just rejected him from your city."

 

Things really look bad for Haiti. I don't watch any TV and honestly don't follow the "news" very much nowdays.

I had no idea the situation there is this bad, thanks to the OP for bring this to our attention.

 

--

Mikko

[bayoubengal]

Today was a crazy busy day at HQ of the AF Res Command as we worked feverishly to coordinate relief effort air support...

 

And Ken is right. If you can't go, donate. If you can, go and donate.

 

Prayers said.

[subvet]

Other than volunteering to go, the most effective private response is money. The Red Cross is probably the best bet, as they have a proven record.

 

Some tigers never change their stripes:

 

In an extraordinary statement during a broadcast on Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcast Network on Wednesday, the American televangelist claimed that the reason for Haiti’s misfortunes was that the nation “swore a pact to the devil” two centuries ago.

 

why even bring that up?

[yabadabapal]

Its pretty bad over there. Even the government leaders and officials are wandering through the quake zone in search of shelter and or assistance. Its a great loss to many. Only thing positive I can assume, is that with all the international aid and attention, Haiti now as a result of international efforts will have a good opportunity to rebuild not just the structures but the actual government infrastructure in a way that in the future the government will be more stable and capable of assisting its own nation and people in some emergencies. Lets hope.

[RichEdwards]

Donated to the Red Cross this morning. Wish I could do more.

[Svensk]

Sending our prayers and support to Haiti.

My sister, a physician, arrived in Haiti last Saturday to help set up and train folks on donated ultrasound equipment in Cange, northeast of Port-au-Prince. Casualties are being sent to Cange due to lack of medical services in Port-au-Prince.

She has kept in touch with short messages on Facebook. The most recent one sent late Wednesday reads:

"Traumatic amputations, open fractures, people in shock, twins born in the middle of eveything, a mother trying to nurse her baby while we set her fracture. Grid out. Enough fuel for one more day."

[Kathy R]

Money sent via paypal to Mercy Corps

 

I can't imagine the horror, discomfort and sadness. Of all the places in the world, few were worse off before such a disaster.

[motoguy128]

I'll be asking my wife, how much we should donate (shes's our home's financial officer).

 

 

It's pretty sad when certain groups use a tragedy like this to spread their negative "messages" and beliefs. It even further lowers my opinion of those organizations and their afiliates.

[Ken H.]

Other than volunteering to go, the most effective private response is money. The Red Cross is probably the best bet, as they have a proven record.

 

Some tigers never change their stripes:

 

In an extraordinary statement during a broadcast on Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcast Network on Wednesday, the American televangelist claimed that the reason for Haiti’s misfortunes was that the nation “swore a pact to the devil” two centuries ago.

 

How pathetic. Such foolish statements make all of us Christians look bad. It makes me angry.

Jay

There is nothing Christian about Pat Robertson. I'm not even sure there is anything human about him.

Amen to that (no pun intended). I suspect in a few more years Pat R. will have lots of time to talk to the devil one-on-one. What a slimeball.

[bakerzdosen]

Other than volunteering to go, the most effective private response is money. The Red Cross is probably the best bet, as they have a proven record.

 

Some tigers never change their stripes:

 

In an extraordinary statement during a broadcast on Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcast Network on Wednesday, the American televangelist claimed that the reason for Haiti’s misfortunes was that the nation “swore a pact to the devil” two centuries ago.

 

why even bring that up?

Because it only seems fair that we as a nation donate Pat Robertson. And before you think "well, that's cruel," I'm sure with his wind bags, he'd make an excellent barge on which to ship donated goods to Haiti.

 

As a side note, I spent a fair amount of time yesterday talking to a client/friend in Santo Domingo. They certainly felt it on that side of the island. He was quite surprised as it seemed to last for nearly 30 seconds. Fortunately, the tsunami warning (which initially freaked everyone there out) amounted to roughly a 4 inch wave.

 

I'll second the "this could eventually be a good thing" if they come out of this with better government and infrastructure. However, that goal is a LONG way off. There is a lot of suffering and unfortunately death that will come in the next few days and months.

 

Many survivors could actually die of thirst over the next few days. Others very well could die of treatable diseases because there is no way to treat them.

[Ken H.]

What can we do besides pray?

Make a donation today to your favorite disaster relief agency.

The Canadian gov’t has announced it will match public/private donations to relief agencies dollar for dollar (up to CA$50M). Here is a link to the list of agencies the gov’t is experienced with working with. (To help avoid the inevitable scams that of course will pop up.) -

 

Canadian Humanitarian Organizations

 

[AviP]

Here's a way to volunteer. Please read the notes to see if you qualify.

 

http://www.cidi.org/reg_offr.htm

[AviP]

Here's a satellite image of the devastation. You have to look closely because there aren't any highrise building. It looks bigger if you click on the link.

 

[Ken H.]

Anyone wanting to donate can text "Haiti" to 90999 to send a ten dollar donation to the Red Cross.

[upflying]

Thanks for the sat view. I only see a few places where a helicopter can safely land. The congested nature of the deveolpment and narrow streets means heavy equipment can't get in through the entanglement to lift or remove structures from trapped survivors.

Blocked access means relief supplies can't get in.

If it were me, I would order relief organizations to build entire tent cities out in the country/farm area and evacuate the cities.

Survivors will live in the temporary cities until damaged structures are removed and rebuilt by construction/engineering workers.

It will take several years before life resumes for the better.

[bakerzdosen]

You know, we all complain about the government (but not here of course) in one way or another... But to me, personally, reading articles like this definitely makes me proud of our country.

 

Yes, it clearly offers one opinion that we could have been there a day earlier - and that could be true.

 

But I'm simply amazed at the logistics of getting so much "stuff" there in such short time - and having some sort of order to it.

 

Our country's not perfect (I doubt anyone will argue with that statement), and you could argue that SOMEBODY's gotta fill the need, but I'm just proud that we were not only prepared for ourselves, but to help others.

 

It seems like that aspect of the USA gets forgotten sometimes.

[upflying]

A great story. Ironic how our military is considered an appreciated "911 First Responder" for any world crisis yet is so widely scorned in other conflicts.

[smiller]

A great story. Ironic how our military is considered an appreciated "911 First Responder" for any world crisis yet is so widely scorned in other conflicts.

Well, food does tend to be more popular than JDAMs...

[Kitsap]

We lost a local woman in the quake, it's sad to lose a person of such character.

 

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010802289_webmolly15m.html

[Whip]

[John Ranalletta]

Salesforce Foundation has issued a matching grant. They'll match the first $250k of donations that can be directed to RC or World Vision

 

You don't need to be a SF subscriber. Go here.

[smiller]

"U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the World Food Program was providing high-energy biscuits and ready-to-eat meals to around 8,000 people "several times a day."

"Obviously, that is only a drop in the bucket in the face of the massive need, but the agency will be scaling up to feed approximately 1 million people within 15 days and 2 million people within a month," he said."

Feed 1 million people within 15 days and 2 million people within a month? Is that even remotely logistically feasible? I fear one catastrophe may be followed by something even worse. What a horrible situation.

 

[Lets_Play_Two]

Haiti is the poorest country in the world and really has no government capable of providing any services to people. Every tree in the country has been cut down for use as fuel, either raw or charcoal. The reforestation efforts have all been external. This is just another devastating blow to this country. More people will die even with the heavy flow of aid. The idea that rebuilding will come from this is IMHO simply a feel good dream. It will take a massive effort simply to provide food and water to the millions who have been displaced.

 

Six students from Lynn University in Boca Raton in Haiti on a food mission are still missing. They are telling people here NOT to go to Haiti unless they are part of an already organized effort. Money is the best help right now.

 

There are many Haitians living in south Florida. They say there is nothing but misery in that country.

[bakerzdosen]

Haiti is the poorest country in the world

One of them, or perhaps in this hemisphere, but depending on which ranking you go by, they're basically in the top (bottom?) 25 or 30.

 

There are several in Africa that are poorer.

 

I'm not trying to disagree with your main point as I agree with that 100%...

[yabadabapal]

Here is closeup photo of damages. Linky

[upflying]

Here is closeup photo of damages. Linky

I am struck by the scenic beauty of the view of the harbor and bay. It also occurred to me why there has been no devastating fires after the earthquake. All structures are masonry...unreinforced of course. The photo is evident that zoning and building codes were all FUBAR before the EQ. There can't be a "rescue" because nothing can get in.

Like a I suggested before, evacuate the city, relocate the survivors to tent cities in surrounding open areas. Let the recovery teams do their thing w/o civilian interference.

Collapse of the prison also means 4,000 prisoners are mixed in with the chaos. Nothing can be done until security is restored.

[OlGeezer]

I can't imagine anything like this. The epicenter was just a couple of miles from Port Au Prince. Back in 1994, I was doing some building survey work after the Northridge earthquake when one of the M5 aftershocks occurred. My car was bouncing off the ground and I was bouncing off the roof inside. I can't imagine being that close to a M7 which is 100 times stronger than a M5.

 

2nd responders are being organized now. So far, the query has been for those who speak French. A friend of mine suggested that I find a young French woman to accompany me to provide translation services. My wife didn't think that would be a very good idea.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

 

I'm often amazed at the ability of newsreaders and reporters to maintain their composure, day after day, while delivering some truly awful news. This is one of only been a few momemnts I can recall where a journalist had trouble delivering the news. That's gotta be one of the saddest places on earth right now...

[yabadabapal]

 

I'm often amazed at the ability of newsreaders and reporters to maintain their composure, day after day, while delivering some truly awful news. This is one of only been a few momemnts I can recall where a journalist had trouble delivering the news. That's gotta be one of the saddest places on earth right now...

 

It certainly is one of the saddest places on earth right now.

What bothers me equally is my lack of awareness in regard to how equally sad it was prior to the pre quake conditions of Haiti in terms of economics, standards of living, inoperable government and much more.

[OlGeezer]

It's amazing. There have been 47 aftershocks M4.5 and greater since the original M7.0.

 

Click here for more data.

[Quinn]

Listening to the news this evening, I was disappointed/ amazed at how negative the network media was painting America's relief effort. Nothing was happening as fast or as well as Diane Sawyer thought it should have been. Why all the negative publicity? Seemed to me that she was doing the work of our enemies by making us look incompetent. Anyone else see this?

 

---

 

 

[FlyingFinn]

Why all the negative publicity?

 

Because bad news sells better than good news.

We used to say "No news is good news" but with for-profit news media it really has turned to "Bad news is good news".

 

It has nothing to do with politics or any big agenda.

It's a simple matter of these so called "news outlets" spewing out what ever message they think will bring in maximum number of readers/viewers/listeners.

 

--

Mikko

[Selden]

Undoubtedly bad news sells, but I think we're also reaching the point of maximum frustration with this story. It's been a week, why hasn't more happened?

 

As disasters go, this is about as bad as I can imagine, with the epicenter of a 7+ earthquake very close to an impoverished city with high population density and no building codes. Large numbers of government, NGO staff, and military already in place were killed during the quake. Port destroyed, 1 airstrip, and let's not forget that after 8 years of warfare on two fronts, the U.S. military is stretched very thin, with a lot of its equipment deployed elsewhere or worn out. About the only things Haiti has going for it are its relative proximity to the southern U.S. and the fact that it's not hurricane season.

 

Because most of the press have been operating from PAP, the extent of the damage in the rest of Haiti has received little coverage, and I suspect that when the full nature of the Haitian catastrophe is reported, it's going to be much worse -- inconceivable as that may seem.

 

People have responded quickly with cash; about the only other thing that civilians can do is donate blood. I just heard on the news that a relief ship is on the way with 400 pints of blood, which doesn't seem like much in the context. Check with your local Red Cross to see if they need blood donors.

 

[Quinn]

People have responded quickly with cash; about the only other thing that civilians can do is donate blood. I just heard on the news that a relief ship is on the way with 400 pints of blood, which doesn't seem like much in the context. Check with your local Red Cross to see if they need blood donors.

 

I know that after 9/11 so many people flooded the Red Cross with blood donations that a lot of it was eventually thrown out when it went out of date on the shelves. There just wasn't the need for such an overwhelming supply of blood. The Red Cross, of course, took the donations anyway since they were hoping to gleen a larger continuing group of donors for the longer term needs. Also, the Red Cross drained their monetary reserves for 9/11 and then weren't allowed to replenish them when donations that were earmarked for 9/11 relief started coming in. Put them in a world of hurt for later disasters.

 

---

 

 

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

Also, the Red Cross drained their monetary reserves for 9/11 and then weren't allowed to replenish them when donations that were earmarked for 9/11 relief started coming in. Put them in a world of hurt for later disasters.

 

Strange that they allow donors to specify where their money goes. If you go to their donation page, you can earmark it for Haiti, armed forces assistance, your own local RC chapter, and a few others. The most generic category is "where the need is greatest," which I assume gives RC free reign to spend the money on whatever disaster is causing the most urgent need. If allowing directed donations caused probems for them after 9/11, I'm surprised they are letting the option continue. :confused:

[Whip]

The United Nations has told our Texas Search and Rescue teams to " stand down ", your not needed.

 

They have been ready to go since Thursday.

 

How can that be????

 

 

 

 

[Mike]

The United Nations has told our Texas Search and Rescue teams to " stand down ", your not needed.

 

They have been ready to go since Thursday.

 

How can that be????

 

I'd only be speculating, but in a massive response like this it's not always the case that more is better. It may be that the SAR effort is fully staffed and that these folks would be sitting on their hands . . . like I said, just speculation. Here's the latest situation report:

UN Situation Report.

 

[upflying]

Why all the negative publicity?

 

Because bad news sells better than good news.

We used to say "No news is good news" but with for-profit news media it really has turned to "Bad news is good news".

 

It has nothing to do with politics or any big agenda.

It's a simple matter of these so called "news outlets" spewing out what ever message they think will bring in maximum number of readers/viewers/listeners.

 

--

Mikko

Agree, some of the video seems to be propped, posed or staged too. Like reporters asking the survivors to act as if their plight is worse than it is for the benefit of the viewers.

I can to point to one example where "precious" water from a bottle was being used by "survivors" to wash their hands before they drank. Come on.