On January 12, 2010, a huge earthquake occurred in Haiti. This is a real catastrophe since its magnitude has reached a 7.0 on the Richter scale, which is known to engender violent and destructive jolts. On that day, countless homes, hospitals, schools, government infrastructures, and the United Nations peacekeeping headquarters, were destroyed. The horror continues since journalists report that bodies lie dead in the streets or trapped under remains. It appears that an estimation of the number of dead has been done and is at least 100,000. The government can’t have a definitive number since bodies are still found…
The earthquake has been covered for days by almost every news channels, which have provided details and informed the population. In this case, the news has played a major role since by informing us, numerous donations have been sent by viewers. Indeed, by showing the misery and the help needed there, people have acted by sending money. Another good thing is that texts have been sent to everyone to ask for donation. These actions are showing that the media can help in such tragic situations. Also, the rapidity of the media is a good advantage since all around the world, countries have learnt the news, allowing governors to act. For instance, here the president Obama has declared: “ we stand united with the people of Haiti, who have shown such incredible resilience, and we will help them to recover and to rebuild”. So by being informed, several nations are now able to work together to help Haiti by taking prompt action. Indeed, they already have sent helicopters that bring food, and medicine. Doctors, and rescuers have been sent as well. People well-known, here Angelina Jolie, and others flew there to help. So here, the medias have played a major role since by informing, people like us have been able to send money and countries have been able to act quickly.
