As terrible as the initial death toll was from the huge earthquake in Haiti, the bad news has continued to mount, as many people are “missing,” many have been trapped under debris, and water, food and medical care are needed for millions of survivors.
The International Red Cross has estimated the death toll may be 45,000 to 50,000. But that is only a guess. The number of people injured surely is much larger.
The immediate challenge is to dig out those trapped in wreckage, treat broken bones and other wounds, and provide sufficient water and food. Then there will be a pressing need to try to avoid a second wave of tragedy from disease.
Humanitarian efforts have been tremendous and commendable, but obviously not enough.
The U.S. Navy’s big USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier is typical of rushed aid. Many ships, aircraft, agencies and people have sought to offer helping hands. Hundreds of U.S. Army paratroopers have been rushed into Haiti. The whole area, in poverty in the best of times, suffers now from the lack of basic food and medical care, as communications, transportation and local organizations are almost totally broken down.