A magnitude-8.8 earthquake that struck Chile on Saturday killed at least 700 people and caused widespread damage in cities. However, the death and destruction pale in comparison to 220,000 killed and eight cities ripped apart in Haiti from January’s earthquake.
It is instructive that the quake that hit Haiti was much weaker at magnitude-7 than the one in Chile. Thus, as the government in Port-au-Prince, along with the United States and other countries that have been providing assistance, look to the future, there are lessons to be learned in Santiago, Concepcion and other Chilean population centers.
As the Associated Press noted in a story comparing the natural disasters in the two counties in the Southern Hemisphere, there are several reasons why Chile emerged in better shape: The country is wealthier, was better prepared for an earthquake, has strict building codes that ensure structures will largely withstand nature’s fury, has a robust emergency response system and has a long history of handling seismic catastrophes.
By contrast, most Haitians had not experienced a quake at home when the Jan. 12 disaster crumbled their poorly constructed buildings, the Associated Press noted.
That’s significant for decision-makers to recognize, as they begin the arduous and challenging effort of rebuilding the devastated Caribbean nation.
As a first step, there must a commitment to rebuild homes, government centers and other structures according to strict codes. Indeed, it is widely acknowledged that government corruption has been a major contributor to substandard construction with low-quality materials.
In addition, the rampant poverty in Haiti, brought on by an economy that has never clicked, has meant a central government unable to respond adequately in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Without the billions of dollars committed by the United States and other nations around the world, and without the legions of doctors, nurses and aid workers, Haiti today would literally be on the path to political and social collapse.
Attitude change
But in return for all the assistance that has been provided and has been pledged, the international community has a right to demand a change in attitude and behavior by government officials.
As the earthquake has shown, the victims of the natural disaster are the same victims of government corruption. It is morally unacceptable for the corruption that has been the hallmark of Haiti’s leadership to rear its ugly head in the rebuilding effort.
That said, those involved in creating a new country should use Chile as a case study, not only with regard to building codes and the kind of materials that should be utilized, but also for how to prepare the populace for another natural disaster.
One thing that should not exist after the rebuilding is completed — it will take decades — are the shanty towns that dot the hillsides and many parts of the cities. Those shelters that so many Haitians call home are nothing more than hand-made flimsy structures unable to withstand any type of storm.
The people of Haiti who have suffered so greatly because of the uncaring attitude of those in power must be the priority today.
We can only imagine what would have happened had Haiti been struck by a magnitude-8.8 earthquake.
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