Friday, May 21, 2010
Aid in Haiti
Aid collaborations in HaitiHaiti is a prime example of a location which draws multiple collaborations between governments and other aid organisations. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake tore the country apart and now aid from all over the world is arriving to provide disaster relive. Some of the organisations involved in the assistance are the United Nations, Doctors without Borders, World Vision, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, and Mercy Corps.
There are numerous challenges to the operation in Haiti. One being the massive extent of the damage. According to news reports and statistics, between 110 000 to 200 000 people have been killed and countless more are now homeless. Infrastructure such as water supply, roads and power lines has also been disrupted. Roads are especially vital for aid to be delivered efficiently.
One other major problem is overcrowding of incoming aid. Sometimes too much aid coming in can lead to congestion. In the case of Haiti, the airport is packed with planes brining in aid. In addition, according to the BBC, some planes couldn’t take off because there was a lack of fuel. Aid couldn’t come in through the port as well as it was damaged severely. The airport soon swelled up with aid of all sorts. It couldn’t be delivered to the population due to broken roads and debris blocking the way.
The disaster relieve has also been delayed greatly due to insecurity. As aid is trickling in slowly, the Haitians got frustrated and attempted to hijack trucks delivering aid. Looting was also becoming common as the people became even more desperate. To make matters worse, France and the US have a dispute over the operations. France feels that America is trying to take over the country and not aid the country. An airbus from France carrying a field hospital was also turned away at the airport by American air traffic controllers. This has caused aid from both sides to slow down in being delivered.
The fast and massive support from both individuals and organisations is definitely worth praising but too much of a good thing can turn into a negative outcome. Though much aid has arrived, transportation of aid to the affected population must be improved. This can be done by enlisting the aid of military helicopters and security from soldiers as well. Other countries should follow the US approach and send in troops to aid in security. (Singapore could have sent the Guards to provide security as they specialise in rapid deployment) What’s the use of having aid but not being able to keep it secure?
Marcus Liu
We Loved12:54 PM
April 2008 past