IANYAN Magazine

Taken By Haitian Journalist Carel Pedre

Although the Haitian capital of Port-Au-Prince is more than 6600 miles away from Yerevan, Armenians perhaps best can understand what the people of Haiti might be going through, as a 7.0 earthquake struck the Caribbean country late Tuesday afternoon, causing mass destruction and casualties, much like the 1988 Spitak Earthquake which registered at 6.9 on the Richter scale and resulted in 25,000 deaths.

The worst earthquake to hit the region in more than 200 years, witnesses reported damaged buildings, including the president’s residence and the collapse of a hospital, however there have been no estimates of the dead and wounded Tuesday evening. CNN quoted U.S. State Department spokesman P.J Crowley as saying that they department was told to expect “serious loss of life.”

Much like the Iran Election, social media is playing a more important role than ever in major news events, including the Haiti Earthquake, where those affected by the quake and others posted messages and photos from the disaster. Raw photos can be seen from two Facebook groups - “Earthquake Haiti” and “Haiti Earthquake!” where horribly damaged buildings and people scrambling in the streets can be seen. A temporary site called “Haitifeed,” carrying videos and graphic images has also been set up.

Taken By Haitian Journalist Carel Pedre

Haiti is also still experiencing aftershocks as of this posting, as Twitter user @fredodupoux noted.

“Was in the streets during that last after-shock,” he wrote. “People were terrified, screaming and running in every possible direction.”

Though it might seem unlikely to forge an Armenian connection beyond a tragic earthquake, you might be surprised to find that the late Hagop Angaladian traveled to Haiti as a consultant for World Bank for a study.

On Keghart, Angaladian wrote about his time in Port-Au-Prince, calling it a heavenly island, just like a heavenly Armenia. Angaladian touches upon the level of poverty the countries share and how Haitian and Armenia Diaspora work much in the same way, sending money back to relatives and friends still living in these two countries, separated by thousands of miles. He concludes, that he understands the bonds Armenia and Haiti share, citing the irrelevancy of skin color.

About 45 miles away from Cuba, Haiti remains the least developed country in the Western Hemisphere and the poorest in the world, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The Spitak Earthquake took place 21 years ago, yet Armenia is still suffering its effects, according to Global Voices in a thorough post about the devastating effects the earthquake has had.

Yet, despite a huge inflow of money from international donors for reconstruction, conditions still remain harsh more than two decades on with thousands still living in domiks — temporary accommodation such as simple shacks or even metal containers. Precise numbers for the number of families in Armenia’s second largest city of Gyumri still living in such a situation are still unknown, but it is believed to be around 4-7,000.

How You Can Help:

• American Red Cross - The Red Cross has already pledged $200,000 to Haiti, but is accepting donations. It has an extensive partnership with the Haitian Red Cross, which is expected to lead the Red Cross response to the earthquake.

• UNICEF - Make a tax deductible donation in any amount to support UNICEF’s emergency response in Haiti.

• Yele Haiti - An organization created by Haitian born musician Wyclef Jean to improve the lives of Haitians, Yele Haiti is utilizing mobile technology to encourage those who can to donate money by texting “Yele” to 501501 to donate $5 to aid the earthquake crisis.

• Oxfam America -  Accepting donations in any amount, Oxfam America is rushing teams from around the region to respond to the situation. Donations are tax deductible.

Twitter Lists to follow regarding the Haiti Earthquake for up to date information:

• CNN
• NPR
• Los Angeles Times
• New York Times
• Huffington Post