It is a country renowned for its contentious political history and internal corruption, and now it has fallen to its knees in the aftermath of the devastating magnitude 7.0 earthquake, which destroyed Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas on 12th January 2010.
Without any government or social infrastructure to turn to, Haitians are trying to survive as best as they can.
A BBC report showed the current living conditions in one camp outside of Port-au-Prince’s airport: rudimentary shelters formed from branches, holding up ‘tents’ made from whatever material could be found.
The hospital has spilled into the outside world, and the lack of medical assistance is evident. There are not enough doctors and nurses to treat all the sick and injured, and many people lay silent and still waiting for someone to identify them.
The capital is filled with bodies lining the streets and open spaces have become central points of refuge. People are fighting over food and water, and everywhere citizens are still removing rubble in an attempt to save as many lives as possible.
One man interviewed on CNN lists the people who were trapped under his house. Seven lives of men, women and children were lost as the house collapsed: the youngest was a 6 month old baby.
The death toll is creeping up everyday, with current estimates up to 100,000 people dead.
Please donate to one of the many charities and organisations who are supporting Haiti’s recovery.
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