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We have been bombarded with reports and images of the recent Haitian earthquake from every side. We can not open a newspaper, turn on the TV or listen to the radio without hearing or seeing shocking images of this human catastrophe. Yet with these images comes a huge up swell of human generosity in response to the tragedy. It is as if the world is mobilizing to come to Haiti's aid. Why does this happen?
When we see the horrific pictures of crushed buildings, dead bodies, crying children, hopelessness and overall disaster, whether it be 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Malaysian tsunami, or more recently, the Haitian earthquake, a strange occurrence happens. We feel empathy. We care about everything and are concerned for our fellow human beings. We are willing to give to people without expecting anything for ourselves. There seems to be an innate altruistic desire in most of us and we respond to this. Besides, it makes us feel good.
Magnitude of the Earthquake
The Haiti Earthquake was a 7.0 on the Richter logarithmic scale. There is no maximum size on the scale. In comparing the Haiti earthquake to those against history, the largest earthquake ever was in Chile with a 9.5 on the Richter scale. The most recent earthquake in San Francisco (1989 Loma Prieta) was also a 7.0 earthquake. The Resulting damage is more devastating in Haiti due to building style and the epicenter location.
How Many People Have Died
The death toll is, at this time, is unclear, but Haiti officials fear that there will be around 100,000 that will be killed from the earthquake. Some other officials estimate that the death toll will be in the 30-50 thousand range. This makes the Haiti Earthquake one of the most devastating in history.
