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In Norse mythology, the god Loki was responsible for mischief and was used as a proxy between the gods to create problems. The ancients attributed earthquakes to him, as a sign of violent struggling within the heavens. Native Americans saw earthquakes as a symbol of prophecy or the wrath of god – the Abrahamic religion asserts it as the ultimate punishment from God. No wonder we have great empathy with Haitians, when collectively they turn to the heavens and ask why.
A horrific event has taken place in Port-au Prince. A grand vista of destruction can be witnessed by humanity and the world’s media. To comprehend the death and turmoil is beyond human imagination. The loss of life could be within the hundreds and thousands. But the tragedy of Haiti did not begin with an earthquake; we are recognising a two hundred year history of pain and deep suffering.
Haiti was born out of rebellion against slavery. A nation, which inspired, the world to end the cruel slave trade. Where all former slaves went to be free in a utopia. But political turmoil, violence, military coups, environmental struggle are a few demons that haunted the nation. Its capital, Port-au Prince was plagued by violent gangs that stalked the streets, randomly executing civilians. A horrifying, truly horrifying spectrum for Haitians. Even worse, the capital is situated between two fault lines – which give birth to destructive and biblical earthquakes.
Now, to events of the recent days. Members of the Catholic Church, political establishment, business and commerce, education and transportation have died. The fatalities are so high, that is lead to the horrible scenes of bodies being left on the streets. CNN reported the sight of a local school and a pile of infants outside. I cannot even fathom the words. You have to ask yourself why. The international community, to their credit, have acted in the fastest way possible with the United States immediately issuing supplies and equipment within hours. As I construct this article, European personal have landed and are beginning work. We must pray that those trapped in the rubble can hold on.
However, the Twitter movement is phenomenal in reporting and providing donations to the relief. A user locating missing people, government information and remarks from charities has helped the ordinary citizen to provide assistance. May be the greatest is this key fact; it took a destructive earthquake for the world to recognise Haiti and her problems. We’ve waited this long and allowed the nation to suffer for two hundred years. It would be a crime against humanity if we forgot about Haitians again, after the rebuild has started.
A horrific event has taken place in Port-au Prince. A grand vista of destruction can be witnessed by humanity and the world’s media. To comprehend the death and turmoil is beyond human imagination. The loss of life could be within the hundreds and thousands. But the tragedy of Haiti did not begin with an earthquake; we are recognising a two hundred year history of pain and deep suffering.
Haiti was born out of rebellion against slavery. A nation, which inspired, the world to end the cruel slave trade. Where all former slaves went to be free in a utopia. But political turmoil, violence, military coups, environmental struggle are a few demons that haunted the nation. Its capital, Port-au Prince was plagued by violent gangs that stalked the streets, randomly executing civilians. A horrifying, truly horrifying spectrum for Haitians. Even worse, the capital is situated between two fault lines – which give birth to destructive and biblical earthquakes.
Now, to events of the recent days. Members of the Catholic Church, political establishment, business and commerce, education and transportation have died. The fatalities are so high, that is lead to the horrible scenes of bodies being left on the streets. CNN reported the sight of a local school and a pile of infants outside. I cannot even fathom the words. You have to ask yourself why. The international community, to their credit, have acted in the fastest way possible with the United States immediately issuing supplies and equipment within hours. As I construct this article, European personal have landed and are beginning work. We must pray that those trapped in the rubble can hold on.
However, the Twitter movement is phenomenal in reporting and providing donations to the relief. A user locating missing people, government information and remarks from charities has helped the ordinary citizen to provide assistance. May be the greatest is this key fact; it took a destructive earthquake for the world to recognise Haiti and her problems. We’ve waited this long and allowed the nation to suffer for two hundred years. It would be a crime against humanity if we forgot about Haitians again, after the rebuild has started.
Links & Resources:
Disasters Emergency Committee - Umbrella NGO co-ordinating British relief efforts
