Panic, Desperation and Chaos in Haiti

On Jan. 12, 2010, one of the poorest countries in the world, Haiti, was struck by the worst hurricane in 200 years. It was 7.0 in magnitude. With the Haiti Earthquake aftermath, panic, desperation and chaos is felt by all. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and it is presumed that thousands of people have died. As each minute passes, time is running out for the many people that are still trapped among the rubble.

Bodies are everywhere, on the sidewalks, outside crumbled buildings, one on top of the other. Rescue teams have been working to scrounge through the rubble to see if there are any signs of survivors. In some instances, rescuers have used their bare hands to free a survivor.

Thousands of people are roaming the streets, homeless from the earthquake. Several need medical attention and are waiting for assistance. Some have set up space in a hotel parking lot. There are people with broken bones, cuts and crushed ribs. The sound of their moans can be heard from underneath sheets draped in blood. The stench of the rotting bodies is so strong, that people have been rubbing toothpaste or limes under their nostrils to ward off the smell.

The people in Haiti are beginning to receive help from the United States and other countries but getting the supplies to the right places have been a problem. Aid must arrive by sea or air. The streets in Haiti are in such poor conditions and bodies are along the main path prevents vehicles from getting through. There were thoughts of dropping supplies from a helicopter, but the people are so desperate to survive, this could cause a riot.

Speed is of the utmost importance at this time and since the harbor and airport is so badly damaged, there are limitations to the amount of supplies that can be brought to Haiti.

Communication in Haiti has been disrupted and the country has no electricity, no sanitation and food and water are scarce. People can live a few days without food, but can die if they don't have water.

Security is also a very big issue right now. Looting is going on and looters are going into stores and other buildings, taking anything that they can find. There is a lack of police and no way to control the amount of looting going on.

The main prison was damaged in the quake and all of the prisoners escaped. The prison was known for having influential gang leaders that are now taking advantage of the situation and supposedly went back to their old ways before they were sent to prison. Also, with the security issue, several women have been raped and with everything else, this problem seems to be overlooked.

In one Haitian city, a truck driver delivering water was attacked and in downtown areas, men can be seen carrying machetes.

The survivors face significant health risks. They can get diarrhea from drinking contaminated water and can develop respiratory problems from inhaling dust from the collapsed buildings.

There are relief funds that are in action to help Haiti. Haiti has endured hurricanes, storms, floods, mudslides, poverty, an unstable government, and now an earthquake.

For more information on the Haiti Earthquake, visit http://haitiandisasterfund.com