Devastating Earthquake hits Haitian capital Port-au-Prince

Everyone stopped and took notice when it was reported that Haiti was hit with a devastating 7.0 earthquake on Jan.12. Since then, there has been around the clock coverage. While working on the cover article dealing with this event for the FCN UK/International edition, I thought I would post a couple of notable statements by leaders interested in the condition of the Haitian people.

Seismologists estimate that a 7.0 magnitude earthquake releases the energy equivalent of 32-million tons of TNT.

South Africa’s President Jacob G. Zuma said in a statement:

“The Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa wish to convey to His Excellency Mr. Rene Garcia Préval, President of the Republic of Haiti, the Government and the people of the Republic of Haiti our deepest sympathy and condolences following the disastrous earthquake that struck Southern Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, 12 January 2010.

Former President of the Republic of Haiti Dr Jean-Betrand Aristide said in a statement:

“My wife and I stand with the people of our country and mourn the death and destruction that has befallen Haiti. It is a tragedy that defies expression; a tragedy that compels all people to the highest levels of human compassion and solidarity. From Africa, the ancestral home of Haiti, we send our profoundest condolences and love to the thousands of children, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters worst affected. To the entire nation, our love and wishes for strength and courage in this most difficult of times.

U.S. President Barack H. Obama pledged the full support of the American government in a "swift, coordinated and aggressive effort to save lives."

"The reports and images from Haiti of collapsed hospitals, crumbled homes, and men and women carrying their injured neighbors through the streets are truly heart-wrenching. As we learn more about the extent of the devastation, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and Haitian Americans around our country who do not yet know the fate of their families and loved ones back home," said Pres. Obama.