Environment
Haiti Endures 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake, Followed by Tropical Storm
The island country of Haiti is experiencing yet another spate of political and environmental difficulties.
The island country of Haiti is experiencing yet another spate of political and environmental difficulties.
On August 14, 2021, there was a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the Western part of Haiti about 80 miles from the capital, Port au Prince. So far, nearly 1,500 lives have been lost.
Then, tropical storm Grace touched down in Haiti on August 17 before continuing to Jamaica.
The catastrophes occur in the political upheaval and confusion in the aftermath of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021.
Wyclef Jean, a Haitian actor, musician and rapper, asked for help for his home country via Instagram:
“[t]oday, once again, sad to report, Haiti’s hit with another earthquake,” Wyclef’s voice can be heard saying as footage of the earthquake is shown. “I encourage everybody — everybody and everybody — please do your part so we can help the country.”
In 2010 Haiti had a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that killed 100,000 people.
Aid is needed, but one of the most common aid relief organizations is not accepting donations at this time, according to an e-mail sent by the American Red Cross to the Associated Press. This shift apparently arises from an ongoing investigation by news outlets ProPublica and NPR about questions and overstatements of how the $500 million raised by them in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake was spent.
The American Red Cross denies allegations from the investigation and stated they will work with partners such as the Haitian Red Cross and the Red Crescent to deliver aid in the latest earthquake.
Meanwhile, folks on social media are urging donations be sent via this site:
https://www.omprakash.org/global/haiti-communitere/donate
CNN, Newsone.com, and USA Today were sources for this report.
