Preparedness and Basic Needs

Since the earthquake that devastated Port au Prince, 2 other significant quakes have hit Chile and the Quinghai region of China. In both cases, the magnitudes, at 8.8 and 7.1, were greater than the 7.0 magnitude in Haiti. Yet the destruction and need for international aid was far less. Although a component is population density, the key issue is the preparedness of the countries' governments to respond to these crises. Chile has strict building codes and practices emergency procedures for such a scenario. China, despite its critics, has an extremely well organized military that can respond to events throughout the country. Haiti, with its inherent poverty and ineffective government, was in no position to anticipate the extent of a disaster like this, nor respond. History has taught Haiti the powerful effects of nature. The beautiful Palace San Souci, in Milot, on the way to the Citadel, was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1842 and never rebuilt. Debris was salvaged for other immediate needs. Numerous hurricanes have battered the island and killed many as their poorly constructed homes were consumed by mudslides. Is the situation hopeless, or can Haiti prepare, in some small way, to deal with natural disasters?

When examining a society, one must look at how well individual needs are met. Maslow’s pyramid lays a basis that physiology and safety must exist, before any other personal growth can occur. This can be extended to a country, where as it is able to meet the needs of its people, it can then branch out to the community of nations, gaining esteem, and the respect for and of others. It will also have the time, energy and resources to prepare for emergencies. It will take some time for the infrastructure and economy of Haiti to stabilize and grow. At a basic level, however, the government must find a way, perhaps working with its neighbors, to assure their citizens that they are safe. The UN is clearly playing a role and it is likely that their presence will be required for many years. It is still unclear to me how the response to this disaster will be different, but it must.

In more developed countries, we tend to focus on the higher parts of Maslow’s pyramid that we lack, until we see our fellow man struggling with survival. As a world community, we must figure out the best way to build a solid Maslow base for the Haitian people, or they are destined to repeated tragedy. But they will survive. After all, Palace Sans Souci did not completely crumble; its inherent residual strength is a symbol for Haiti.