Thursday, January 14, 2010

Haiti Earthquake

Why are these people from the picture screaming and running away?

On the 12th of January, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, around 5 p.m. Lots of buildings and houses collapsed, falling on people, injuring or even killing them. Schools fell down as well, killing the teacher and most of the students. People were running and screaming in all directions, trying to survive. Loads of people were stuck in the building, the debris blocking their way. They have been trying to squeeze out of cracks in buildings, but it hasn't been very successful. When the earthquake struck, no telephone connections could be made. When the earthquake stopped, the citizens of Haiti dug through rubble and debris with their hands or shovels, hoping to find survivors. Dead bodies were all over the streets. People were running around, screaming for their kids, wives, husbands. How sad would it be, not being able to see your loved ones forever. Not enough medical supplies, foods and clothes could be provided. Hospitals collapsed too, so the injured weren't able to get a proper treatment. This earthquake was a nightmare. A big, big tragedy, something that we could relate to, since we are living in Jakarta, where earthquakes are a problem.  

2 comments:

Michael said...

You mention the timeing of the quake, Hyun Jin, and I've thought about that. The quake hit at 4.30, before offices workers went home for the day. I wonder if the deaths would have been fewer if the timing of the shaking would have been at 5.15, or if the same number would have died in their homes?

mh

Kristina said...

Nice blog!!