Cynthia: International Assistance Challenges and Recommended Solutions
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti early this year and delivering aid was a challenge to many aid organizations such as USAID, the largest contributor to the relief. Accessibility to the capital (Port-au-Prince) was a major problem as many possible ways were disrupted during the earthquakes. The airport was too small and it is hard to go back to its usual operations with only one runway. Aid assistance is difficult to be delivered as there are only limited spaces for cargos to reach every day. The staff working in the airport were also affected by the earthquake. Either they were the victims or their families are. Fuels for aircraft were lacking and no planes could fly. In addition, another route to Haiti, the main seaport was badly damaged during the earthquake. It was unable to function properly and aid ships could not offload their supplies at the dock. It was expected that the port can only accept vessels in 60 to 90 days even though some aid ships managed to dock. There were no stationary cranes to unload the containers as it is all damaged. Although the U.S managed to take over the airport and seaports, aids are already delayed. The seaport was a major destruction and took a long time to resume. Roads were also blocked with debris and distribution becomes another problem even if supplies can reach the capital. Prior to that, communication was down in the form of telecommunications and internet etc. Communication with other countries with respect to access route details and needs were difficult. Everything was slowed down. Medical personnel will also have problem accessing to the site to treat the victims. With that, more people will die as time pass.

In this context, accessibility was a major problem in delivering aid. Therefore, to avoid such circumstances from happening, there should be contingency plan. Aid supplies can be stored within the country itself so that when disasters happen, they can be mobilised faster. Especially when Haiti is prone to natural disasters, contingency plan is even more essential. Basic needs like food, water can be stored for use for the first few days of disaster before international aid arrive. Also, the Haitians should be equipped with skills like basic first-aid so that at times of crisis; the survivors can save themselves and the community before waiting for help to arrive. Disaster-response training should also be carried out to more staff in Haiti so that aid personnel do not have to fly in from other countries. With that, the remove of debris and corpses can be more efficient; reducing the number of days that the roads are blocked in the capital. Communication problems are difficult to tackle. The systems have to take time to recover. They should have more up-to-date communication systems so that the recovery will not take too long. The Dominican Republic, nearest to Haiti should also prepare themselves for future events like this. They are the ones who can react the fastest and get to Haiti the fastest too.

Cheryl - 10 January
Shumin - 15 January
Chuan Yu - 3 February
Jonathan - 24 February
Grace - 2 March
Alison - 31 March
Adeline - 20 April
Halena - 23 April
Julinda - 9 May
Sheryl - 29 May
Billy - 31 May
Amanda - 4 October
Bernice - 22 July
Francine - 30 July
Bryan - 31 July
Matthew - 31 July
Joshua - 15 August
Janell - 21 August
Sin Yee - 6 September
Ronny - 14 September
Shine - 15 October
Marcus - 5th November
Pei Qing - 10 December
Sheena - 27 December