Is Chile another Haiti?

Is Chile another Haiti?: With natural disatsters increasing over the world, the question is whether it should have taken natural disasters to open the worlds eyes to suffering?

It has been over a months since the earthquake in Haiti. Thousands were killed, many injured and even dispossessed with no home or family. Mass looting occured and the fragile government was rendered useless to its own people. Mass aid was delivered from many countries including Britian, USA, China, and Mexico. The world governments happily commended each other on their hummanitarian efforts (which i do not argue were very much needed). However should it really have taken an earthquake to waken the world powers? Haiti has seen a history of economic, political and social instability since its liberation from the French in 1803. It is easy to forget about Haiti when the papers and online media are no longer screaming heart wrenching headlines containing an updated number of the dead and a picture of a homeless child. I believe we should not forget about Haiti, we all know true suffering remains long after the the NGO's have left. Long after we have donated and then gladly forgot about the struggles these people still face.

The Chile earthquake measured at 8.8 magnitude, created mass devastation to infrastructure and has reportedly killed over 700 people. This sounds very similar to Haiti's situation, however, there are many differing factors inthis case. Chile is not politically or economically instable, although it will cost up to $15bn to repaire infrastructure alone, Chile's government is still in place. The Military is in effect, with ministers putting aid plans into action. There is isolated social instabilit within the region of Maule, where a curfew has been placed and a military presence is prominant in order for the government to gain to control.

Although Chile is in a serious situation and has accepted some aid, it is not another Haiti. Haiti awakened the worlds people to suffering of others. However this outpouring of aid and support should not be initiated by an earthquake, our governments should have a bigger back bone to know when i country is in need. There shouldn't have to have a dictator and vast amounts of oil for the certain governments to want to "help".

Don't forget Haiti!