Haitian earthquake

Starting to see some amazing destruction from their 7.0 earthquake. I certainly hope the island doesn't fall into anarchy, although maybe the populace is too stunned by the sheer devastation to do that at the moment.

I've been in lots of 5.0-5.9 earthquakes; also 6.1, 6.4, 7.1. The 7.1 earthquake was the one the really got my attention and fortunately it was not longer than it was. The smaller ones you could have yawned off.

Also, it looks like there isn't much in the way of earthquake building codes in Haiti, which is going to make for a lot of destroyed buildings, but that's just an assumption based on pictures I've seen so far.

The Haitian ambassador to the United States describes it as the "worst day in Haitian history."

Originally posted by Badwater
Starting to see some amazing destruction from their 7.0 earthquake. I certainly hope the island doesn't fall into anarchy, although maybe the populace is too stunned by the sheer devastation to do that at the moment.

I've been in lots of 5.0-5.9 earthquakes; also 6.1, 6.4, 7.1. The 7.1 earthquake was the one the really got my attention and fortunately it ...[text shortened]... t of destroyed buildings, but that's just an assumption based on pictures I've seen so far.

Originally posted by Badwater
Also, it looks like there isn't much in the way of earthquake building codes in Haiti, which is going to make for a lot of destroyed buildings, but that's just an assumption based on pictures I've seen so far.

Originally posted by Palynka
This is usually a problem of not having enough money. Poor countries suffer much more from natural disasters because buildings are older, in worse condition, with worse materials, etc.

Haiti is only 80km or 50 miles from Cuba. I wonder if Cuba makes much of an effort to assist Haiti or if Cuba is worried that they might get an influx of Haitian refugees as a result of this disaster.

Originally posted by homedepotov
Haiti is only 80km or 50 miles from Cuba. I wonder if Cuba makes much of an effort to assist Haiti or if Cuba is worried that they might get an influx of Haitian refugees as a result of this disaster.

Originally posted by Palynka
And if they do, will you feel silly for that out-of-the-blue accusation?

Originally posted by homedepotov
It just seems like the richer and freer countries are always expected to come to the aid of poorer countries like they have to prove their continuing moral superiority or something.

Originally posted by homedepotov
I just want to see Cuba and even China do their share to show that brutal regimes can care as well. China would doubtless help more if Haiti was rich in minerals it could exploit.

It just seems like the richer and freer countries are always expected to come to the aid of poorer countries like they have to prove their continuing moral superiority or something.

Originally posted by Palynka
So you think it's the poor who should help out the rich? 😵

Originally posted by homedepotov


My apologies for being such a stupid moron. I guess I don't violate the TOS if I attack myself, right?

Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
If definitive things do, in fact, happen for definitive reasons what if any light does

that somewhat speculative premise shed on this country's 12 Jan '10 devastation?

Originally posted by homedepotov
Haiti is only 80km or 50 miles from Cuba. I wonder if Cuba makes much of an effort to assist Haiti or if Cuba is worried that they might get an influx of Haitian refugees as a result of this disaster.

The Americas have responded nicely. Still waiting for Cuba to do something, though.

Canada sent a military team to assess needed household goods, tents and sanitation packages.

US sent military response including ships, helicopters, transport planes and a 2,000 member marine unit to assist with aid distribution or law enforcement.

Mexico will send doctors, search-and-rescue dogs and infrastructure damage experts.