Once again, a natural-born disaster of epic proportions has struck a nation unprepared for such a tragedy. The 7.0 earthquake that struck the island nation of Haiti on Wednesday, January 13 collapsed hillside towns and destroyed much of the capital city of Port-au-Prince – the epicenter and home to over 2 million. Tens of thousands of your Queens neighbors sought information about loved ones.
The images broadcast on the nightly news touched the hearts of the world. Offers of aid were immediate, widespread and generous. The World Bank and President Barack Obama each pledged $100 million.
The 7,000 United Nations peacekeepers and 2,100 local police on site were overwhelmed by the enormity of the task before them.
Lost, dazed, thirsty, homeless and hungry, the thousands who survived the initial hours began a desperate journey of survival. There was looting. There were roving bands of machete and gun wielding thugs who took by force the little food and water that was available.
Anarchy reigned. Help was on the way, but not fast enough for some. By the third day, the stench of death filled the air and the airwaves as reports from journalists on the ground were published and broadcast.
Our first responders from New York were on their way, but had trouble gaining access to the airport. There were miracle rescues of the trapped – however, many more people lost their lives than were saved.
Social networking sites played a key role in the early chaotic hours – for some the only link to the living was often a Facebook page, a Twitter message or text message. The Red Cross raised $9 million in $10 texts in the first 24 hours.
The fund raising efforts increased each day as the scope of the crisis became clearer. Local businesses like Plum Restaurant in Bayside planned fund raising specials that would run for three weeks. Countless businesses and their employees are running fund raising efforts.
We ask you, our readers and advertisers, to give generously to the authorized relief organizations, many of which we have listed this issue. Dig deep to help those who cannot help themselves. Be sure to return to qns.com for daily updates.
