Aftershock Shakes an already Devastated Haiti

Published on: January 20th, 2010 @ 7:58 PM UTC by William Johnson  | 

helphaiti By now you should be aware of the devastation that has taken place in Haiti. On Jan. 12, 2010, a massive earthquake struck Haiti, reducing much of its capital to rubble. It was the worst earthquake in the region in more than 200 years, with as many as 50,000 feared dead. The devastation created serious obstacles to those attempting to deliver promised foreign aid.

Today as day broke, a 5.9 aftershock struck, shrieking Haitians ran from buildings and walls, fearing a repeat of the magnitude 7 earthquake that killed tens of thousands just eight days earlier. Though the strongest shock since January 12, it did not appear to cause any major new destruction or to slow the international relief effort now bolstered by more U.S. troops.

Today, U.S. Marines in landing craft brought ashore bulldozers, mechanical diggers and trucks on a beach at Neply village west of Port-au-Prince from warships anchored offshore.

U.S. Troops on the beach handed out food rations and set up temporary shelters for the homeless. Crowds of Haitians quietly watched as the Marines set up a forward base in the grounds of an old mission school, pitching rows of tents flanked by a row of latrines.

So far, feared outbreaks of infectious diseases have not erupted, although many of the injured have faced the immediate threat of tetanus and gangrene.

Hospitals were overwhelmed and doctors lacked anesthesia, forcing them to use local painkillers. Doctors Without Borders said there were backlogs of patients at some of the surgical sites and are seeing untreated wounds. “Some victims are already dying of Sepsis.” the group said on Wednesday.

International search teams are still combing the rubble for survivors and had pulled 121 people from collapsed buildings according to the Pan-American Health Organization.

HOW CAN YOU HELP THE HAITI RELIEF EFFORT

If you are interested in helping with the relief effort, there are a number of ways you can help.

http://www.musicforrelief.org/ – Download a compilation of unreleased music. You can Download the album and then Donate to help the relief effort.

About Music for Relief: Founded by the band Linkin Park, Music for Relief is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters and the prevention of such disasters. Since its inception in 2005, Music for Relief has raised over $3 million for victims of multiple disasters across four continents and planted over 810,000 trees to help reduce global warming.

http://www.redcross.org – Your gift to the American Red Cross will support emergency relief and recovery efforts to help those people affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include deploying personnel, sending relief supplies, and providing financial resources.

About American Red Cross: Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation’s premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.

Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.

http://www.unicef.org – Support UNICEF’s relief work in Haiti by making a secure donation today.

About UNICEF: With its strong presence in 155 countries, UNICEF is the world’s leading advocate for children. We have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at the grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality.