Research Paper On Haiti Earthquake

Words: 840
Pages: 4

One of Americas own countries, Haiti was hit with a historical earthquake that crippled it so severely that their President immediately contacted the United Nations for assistance. This most devastating environmental event occurred on January 12, 2010. Based on the Richter scale it was a 7.0 measured earthquake that wrecked havoc on this low income country. While this was not the largest earthquake ever recorded which was a 9.5 (Interior), it has had a lifetime consequence on this country. There have been estimations reported that over three hundred thousand deaths and millions of casualties occurred, due to this catastrophic event. It left the common people without homes, shelter and food. It is estimated that over 1.5 million people had no home, shelter or food. Furthermore, this has caused an astonishing number of cases of Cholera which is spread through water and is a bacterial disease. This disease causes dehydration and diarrhea. The impact of such a tragic and devastating natural catastrophe to Haiti’s economy was huge. It has been five years since this occurred, has Haiti recovered or regressed? …show more content…
As stated above, it is estimated that over three hundred thousand people died due to this earthquake. The prevalent amount of destruction and damage occurred in the Capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince which included the presidential palace, the United Nations building, and the surrounding towns. Haiti is listed as one of the poorest countries in the Americas, according to the Central Intelligence Agency. In addition to help from the UN, the Government of Haiti immediately requested a reconstruction fund be set up by the World Bank to aid in the reconstruction of their country. The funds would be used to restore their entire economic stability. As recent as June 2014, more than $342.3 million dollars has assisted in removing debris, repairing and rebuilding