Like so many around the globe, my heart aches for the people of Haiti. A country already struggling and now a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastate it even more.
When natural disasters occur, I see the footage on television, hear the statistics and feel for the survivors, but sometimes it’s difficult to comprehend the true devastation and loss.
Two days after this earthquake, I heard startling numbers that have remained in the forefront of my mind, making this an even greater tragedy. The population of Haiti is approximately 9 million. It is estimated that the quake is responsible for 50,000 deaths. That means 1 in 180 people have died as a result of this earthquake, and the death toll is expected to rise.
Friday marked the critical 72-hour timeframe. While rescuers continued to search for survivors, the chances of finding people alive drastically decrease after the third day. However, as of Sunday, there were several reports about finding people alive, which continues to give hope to many.
On the fourth day, rescuers saw the top of a woman’s head and hand sticking out of the rubble. As they attempted the rescue, they found her surrounded by eight decaying bodies, one entwined with her own. After 30 hours of clearing, they removed her and she was still alive. One member of the rescue squad said, “You have Mother Nature in all her power and fury with this earthquake, yet this woman has just as much strength as the earthquake. It’s almost like the earthquake picked the wrong woman to pick on.”
I cannot begin to imagine the experience or the thoughts going through the mind of this brave woman during the first four days, let alone the final 30 hours knowing help was nearby. What a nightmare of an ordeal, yet she held on and survived! I agree, she is just as strong – if not stronger – than the earthquake!
Seeing the toppled structures, homes and devastation to the communities, knowing medical care is scarce, I can’t help but wonder about those who had pre-existing medical conditions and how their needs are being met in the aftermath. I know the number of injuries sustained is extreme and the number of those in need is overwhelming, so perhaps pre-existing conditions are irrelevant at this time.
In my blog, “Pills,” I wrote about being better prepared in an emergency situation and how the events of Hurricane Katrina opened my eyes. The difference is, earthquakes are sudden and do not allow for an evacuation plan.
Do you know anyone who is in Haiti? Have you had contact? Has a particular story touched your heart? Please share.
I think of what I would do if could. I wish I could be there, that I could do SOMETHING besides text a word and send a few bucks. But I do not have the doctor's knowledge or the fireman's strength or the engineer's plans. All I can do is sit here and pray for them and send the little money I can.
There are no crutches, no wheelchairs. The country was in crisis before the quake...Now? How many people with arthritis are left lying in the street, unable to walk, to climb over the mountains of concrete? How many little kids? And that's just arthur...what about cancer, diabetes, HIV??? There are no meds. So many more are going to die and I cry for the energy lost in the universe. All I can do, again, is pray and hope that my energy can help in the healing of hearts if nothing else.