The calamity in Haiti seems to be getting increasingly dire with each aftershock and the climbing death toll, but all hope is not lost.  The spirit of Haitians remains unbroken.  Aid is pouring in from every corner of the world, but the airport and relief effort are still experiencing difficulties.  

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010 devastated the poor nation of Haiti by toppling buildings and orphaning thousands of children.  Furthermore, the survivors, stranded outdoors, desperately seeking aid endured a 6.1 aftershock the morning of Jan. 20, 2010.

Yet the human spirit of Haitians practically oozes from the cracks in the earth.  Their homes are in greater shambles than before because of the quake.  Parents and children are lost and separated, yet the survivors still live to fight another day.

The main question of people's minds is: How can I help? And when I say help, I mean help.  Twenty years ago, before the internet and ease of global communication, the relief effort would be much more complicated.

The U.S. State department issued a travel advisory expiring Feb 13, 2010, which warns travelers not to visit Haiti because of the dire situation.  On top of that, all nonemergency government personnel have been asked to make their way to the airport in Port-Au-Prince for immediate departure.

So...would I suggest traveling to Haiti right now to hand out blankets? No.  Would your plane even be able to land when supply planes are still being diverted? Probably not.  How can you help?  Easy.  You can text Haiti to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross, which is automatically charged to your phone bill.  Or if you are looking for a charity closer to Haiti, look in to the Jesuit Refugee Service, located in the Dominican Republic, which has provided aid to 16,000 citizens already.

Haiti probably isn't listed as a Travel Channel Top 10 couple's destination for Valentine's Day weekend. However, hopefully once the situation is resolved, and if smart rebuilding is employed, it could be one day.  Sandy beaches, fresh coconuts, and cheap Haitian rum ensure a romantic getaway.

Photo by SavethechildrenCanada

By Brendan McGaughey

Comments(1):

1. haiti

   I'd go there if I could

   Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Brendan