(Aid arrived Thursday/AP Photo)
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday was the worst natural disaster in recent history. There hasn't been an earthquake this strong there in over 200 years.
In the wake of such a devastating event, aid finally arrives. Thursday, many organizations from several countries poured into the town of Port-Au-Prince (the capitol of Haiti) providing their support efforts. Here in the Chicago area, Cook County medical workers are prepared to leave for Haiti Saturday. Margarette Dupiton, a Cook County hospital nurse is one of many to make the trip.
By me going over there, I think, every person that I bump into with an injury, I can do something to help them.
In addition to the medical staff providing relief, the Chicago area will also be providing equipment and money. Nearly $6 million has already been donated to the Red Cross by the way of text messages. The Metro South Medical Center are sending equipment ranging from electro-cardiogram units to syringes.
Unfortunately, the nation of Haiti has suffered a series of natural catastrophes over the past several years. Below is a list of a series of major natural disaster events that have taken place in Haiti:
September 1998: Hurricane George strikes Haiti and the Dominican Republic killing nearly 500 and leaving 400,000 people homeless.
September 2004: Landslides from Hurricane Jeanne kills more than 4,000 in the city of Gonaïves.
August 2008: A series of storms (Hurricane Hanna, Hurricane Gustav, and Tropical Storm Fay) kills hundreds and leaves tens of thousands homeless.
September 2008: Category 4 hurricane Ike strikes killing hundreds.
January 12, 2010: 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastates Haiti with tens of thousands likely dead.
If you would like to send your donations, below are a list of organizations where you can send them:
Yele Haiti--Text the word, ‘Yele’, to 501501, which will automatically register a $5 (U.S.) donation. You will be charged on your next phone bill. To donate online click here.
American Red Cross--Go online to redcross.org and click Donate, or call (800) REDCROSS.
Salvation Army--To donate, click here.
Unicef Canada--Donations are being accepted here. You can also call (800) 567-448.
Sources: ABC7, AP, The Star
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