Quake Hits Our Office

Thirty seconds. That's how long the 6.2 magnitude quake swayed our office in Eastwood.

We were busy discussing office matters when one of my office mates said: "I'm sorry. I'm just scared." Actually, I did not notice it until she said something. She was really scared I saw it. She wanted to run but I dissuaded her. There could be stampede if everybody starts running.

Our client from Stockholm, Sweden was worried because her fiancee was at the 26th floor. She was panicky. Minutes after, she relayed that while the quake was terrifying her, she could see by the window that construction workers are still working. Our client said: "Some people are just braver than the rest."

The Haiti thing makes quakes unbearable these days. Not another strong quake please.

Quake Survivors In Desperate Need

photo courtesy of gulf-daily-news.com

We see it on TV, quake survivors in Haiti are desperately in need of aid. Haitians are calling out for help. They need food, water, and homes to replace what they lost.

After buildings collapsed, hope seems to collapse too. Looting began immediately after the strong quake. Survivors are seen stealing food and water from the destroyed stores and houses. After several days, we also see them steal from their fellow survivors. True, they have escaped death but there comes the threat of famine.

While rescuers continue digging for dead bodies, authorities say it is too early to give a number. While doctors and nurses treat victims, more injured remain untreated. While survivors are scavenging, more of such sort will continue until I don't know when. One thing is clear, they need help at the earliest possible time.

The UN launched its United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. The International Committee of the Red Cross set up a website to help Haitians find missing loved ones. It is also distributing food, clothes and other necessities to the victims. Celebrities like George Clooney, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Madonna, and a lot more also initiated a campaign titled Hope for Haiti Now. UNICEF is also conducting relief operations. US President Barrack Obama is also preparing a team to give medical attendance, food and supplies. People are helping even in little ways. More and more help is coming and I hope we see the improvement in Haiti soon.

Killer Quake Shakes Haiti

photo courtesy of mnn.com

When nature takes its toll everyone will be left shocked and dismayed. Its fury knows no limitation but dominance. That's exactly what happened yesterday in Haiti.

The quake, which is said to be the strongest to hit the nation in more than 200 years, has shattered numerous homes, collapsed a hospital, injured many, and killed thousands of people. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the killer quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 and was centered about 10 miles west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, 5 miles beneath the ocean surface.

Another sad thing is that there are Filipinos trapped inside the destroyed buildings in the impoverished nation. Some Filipino peacemakers and overseas workers are reported killed while others are still missing.