(EDITORIAL from the Korea Herald on Jan. 16)

Help for Haiti

The 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday has brought
unprecedented tragedy to the poor Caribbean nation.

It is estimated that the earthquake which flatted much of the capital
Port-au-Prince may have killed 40,000 to 50,000 people. A Red Cross official said
that at least three million people - about a third of the population - have been
directly affected.
Countries around the world are rallying to provide disaster relief as time is
quickly running out for the victims who may be buried under the rubble. U.S.
President Barack Obama enlisted former presidents George W. Bush and Bill
Clinton, who has been serving as a special envoy to Haiti, to lead the U.S.
initiative. Washington pledged $100 million and full U.S. resources, including
the military, for a relief program that could be the largest in recent history.
On the other side of the globe, Seoul said that it would provide $1 million in
assistance, including the dispatch of emergency medical supplies and rescue
teams. The government sent a seven-member medical team and a 41-member emergency
rescue team to Haiti on Friday. Another support team of 34 left for Haiti on
Thursday.
Reports coming out of Haiti paint a picture of hell. Thousands of corpses remain
on the streets and underneath the rubble, and sounds of those trapped crying in
pain and calling for help fill the air. Those lucky enough to have survived are
digging and removing rubble with their bare hands to extricate people from mounds
of debris. The lawlessness adds to the confusion, with lootings becoming
widespread and squabbles growing over scarce food and water. The absence of
police and effective government are compounding the difficulties inherent in
relief efforts after large-scale natural disasters.
What is even more tragic about the disaster in Haiti is that children make up 40
percent to 50 percent of the population of Port-au-Prince, the city hardest hit
by the earthquake. With their bodies more fragile, their chances of survival are
that much slimmer.
Haiti has had a very difficult history. It is the poorest country in the
Americas, politically unstable and frequently struck by natural disasters.
Recovery from this most recent disaster will require massive injection of money
and assistance to Haiti should not end after the emergency relief teams leave the
country.
Countries around the world should contribute to the rebuilding of Haiti. Korea,
which hosts the G20 summit this year and which has pledged to assist developing
countries, should not stop at providing the promised $1 million. Korea should
review the needs of Haiti and provide assistance that is commensurate with its
economic power. The public, not just the government, should also help rebuild
Haiti.
(END)