Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 01/14/10
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We're bringing you breaking news developments from Haiti. Amazingly, people are still being found alive in the rubble. Yet, sadly, there are heart-breaking stories that must also be told. The people of Haiti need your help. We'll tell you how to get involved. And, you'll see how rescue teams from the U.S. and around the world are already making a big impact.
Want more details on what we're covering? Read EVENING BUZZ
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Where is the Haitian government? Maybe I missed it, but except for a short "interview" with Preval by Sanjay, I don't believe I have seen its presence in these reports. It is unbelievable that a country that is so susceptible to hurricanes does not seem to have emergency measures in place. It is totally disorganized.
Paula, Colorado
Me too!!! I am praying for security to protect people to help them keep safe.
My heart goes out to all in Haiti and please Gods send you Angels to round about camp there and please Jesus come quick, please..
My heart and prayers goes to the people in Haiti lets help them to make contribution by call the redcross.
@Isabel
My concolences to your countrymen. I did not know that 15 or your peace keepers died. I was aware that your country had people in country before the quake, but again, did not know of your losses.
Although many may think their thoughts are the only correct one, no one has the correct answer except what works for a given situation. We as Americans need to pray for Haiti (Porte Prince) instead of criticizing what is not being done. Prayer can fix ALL things if we believe. But we always think we have the answers! Well we do not, ONLY God does.
A. Smith, Oregon
Good night, See you tomorrow night! 🙂
Please fill the empty planes leaving Haiti with the orphans and/or people and let us house them in our private homes until they can return. Please do not permit these precious children die.
Im watching the coverage and my heart breaks to see the kids that are left alone in this world... Dear God, what's going to happen to those children? Are there orphanages around the world that can take them in? what about families to foster or take care of them?
Please let us know what we can do to help the kids.
I keep on hearing that Haiti did not have building codes – This is very common in Third World Countries. In my travels with the US State Department inspecting US Embassies and Consolates around the world for fire and life safety issues – natural or man made – I discovered that Third World Countries DO NOT HAVE BUILDING and FIRE CODES. This was very common and continues to be.
Resuers will find it difficult because the structures DO NOT meet any building codes standards as we have here in the US, Canada and parts of Europe. There will be no steel rebar for wall support and these walls and floors are subject to collaps and crumbling making rescue efforts extremely dangerous.
Respectfully
Art
@Emily, Haiti is so poor because they have accepted corruption ever since their independence. They are also overpopulated for the area, and the population has reduced what was 60% forest to less than 2%. The result is massive loss of soil and with it much of the agriculture. The Dominican Republic has done a better job of running their country.
Carrefour was a city of what? 100,000? located at the epicenter. I've yet to see any news of the fate of that place. El Pais has some great pictures at their site. Where is the President of Haiti now? Can anyone at least tarp up the Presidential Palace?
I'd like to know how the port is ruined. I thought that ships could basically pull up to shallow water and unload via small boat. Why can't they do that to some extent?
Dear Anderson and CNN,
Thank you for your non-stop coverage of the Haiti earthquake relief efforts. I've heard from several news stations to donate money. But for those who don't have the money to donate (like myself), is there another way we help the people of Haiti? Be safe!
Stephanie, Blackwood, New Jersey
@ Marquise, I echo your sentiments. I will say it once again THE SOUTH NEEDS HELP, and I know the mountain road to get to the south will be impassable. Ships with supplies need to be sent to the southern coast and work their way up north.
It sounds like there are still aftershocks once in awhile.
Look at all those people with nothing but a few things that they can put in their hands.
things are blowing everywhere – umbrellas, etc.
people without homes, and some have even lost their family members.
how very sad.
That was a great piece by Anderson...to see how these people wake up, what they do....
@Caroline, the ultimate power rests with the people. No government can stand if the people are united against it. The fact that the people accept this and as Anderson said even expect it is their own fault.
But for the grace of God go I. It does seem so unfair that those who had so little to start have to live through yet another natural disaster. What is the lesson in this for us all?
Port Au Prince needs to be evacuated and the bodies removed. It's only going to get worse. The one good thing is that a lot of weapons are buried in the rubble but that does little to stop desperate people. I seriously wonder how long the reports from those streets can continue.
Anderson, thanks for keeping us informed about the devastation in Port-Au-Prince. I can't seem to pull myself awary from the media coverage, even though I have no personal connection to Haiti. My heart aches for the people there, and their struggles. I'm really glad to see so many countries and so many people who are stepping up to provide humanitarian aid. Your stories have been compelling, and I also want to help. I will be making my personal donation to the relief efforts. Keep up the good work, and continue to stress the dire need for more help as you continue bringing the news, and heartfelt messages from Port-Au-Prince.
What is that big structure behind Anderson? Is it a big hotel?
Great Show tonight Anderson Cooper, AC360 and CNN staffers, thank you, good night fellow bloggers.
I agree Bernadette pics need to taken of the deceased – I can't imaqine the loved ones not knowing what happened to their friends/family members that would be a lifetime of always wondering and never any closure.
Late tomorrow or early Saturday all our ships should be there .
Dear AC,
You are a role model to younger journalists like myself. Thank you for your personal involvement in a crisis like this, when it really counts. That's what journalists get to do, to be the first to arrive at the scene and personally help others.
@ David, Indiana
Brazil has in Haiti around 1300 soldiers from the peacekeeping force the United Nations, of which 15 died, but others will continue the hard work and incessant there.
Does anyone know how to volunteer to go to Haiti. I am a retired medical professional , capable of assisting with providing care to the critically ill and injured. Would appreciate any info as I do not think it advisable to attempt alone. Thanks Anderson for all you do to alleviate suffering.
There is a survivor under the rubles of CARRIBEAN MARKET who sent a text message which is posted now in Facebook. We still have more survirvors. Please pass on the message. My nephew Antonio Sperduto might still be alive.
please say a prayer for those who have died and suffered in Haiti...let us also pray for those rescuers and media practitioners on site...God bless Haiti and it's people
Haiti received so much money for so long...and from different countries!
Why is it that no one was monitoring where it was going?
Also, why is it that Haiti has no vegetation, trees, etc.
I remember when this first hit, Anderson spoke about the mountains, that would just slide as there was nothing there but dirt/mud.
However, on the other side, in the DR, it's the complete opposite!
Why is Haiti so poor?
Yes, it has always been miss managed.
@ Marie E. Louis, the ocean side roads need to be re-opened in order to get the badly needed heavy equipment out to Jacimel. Perhaps some of the helicopter teams can be tasked out there to lend support.
Ok, so the medical help is coming. So why haven’t the pharmaceutical companies started to donate medicine immediately? They have made millions, they can spare some in this dire situation.
@ o Ann, N.RoyaltonOH
Your question about what the Arab countries are doing is a good one. I saw an article about this today.
Apparently, there was much sadness and wailing among the Arab people, but, as of yet, there appears to be no money. Instead, i am hearing that there are credible reports that anothe attack on US soil is in the works (probably because we are distracted).
Someone said that natural disasters know no religion-I wish that the Arab leadership would get that message and help Haiti and help stop terrorism being bred in their own countries!
@ Mike, formerly from Syracuse-The people of Haiti have chosen nothing. They never got a choice. Under corrupt leaders the people do not have choices.
This comment may not necessarily coincide with the particular story, but I was wondering if there will be any information on the rebuilding efforts of Haiti and how I may volunteer to go
Michael
I certainly hope so. I cannot even imagine watching my child die because I could not find a doctor. Talk about a tragedy!
Anderson can not photographers be brought in to id with photography people who have died prior to them being shipped off to mass graves, at least there would be a record, it should go for all getting medical attention and those who will not get the help also.
I hope extra security arrives with the emergency assistance. Stay safe!
How do we know if all the donations and aid coming in now won't just go the way of previous aid into the pockets of corrupt officials?
The U.S. and Europe has long supported a puppet government which lends to the current situation. Why is Haiti still paying reparations to France?
I agree, the people that are posting pictures in Twitter they should start taking pictures of the victims that are dead. That way they will be able to be recognized later by their families...
this is a plea for help..the nation of Haiti as a whole will never be the same, cnn is doing a very good job of providing information regarding our country. God will bless all of you that are helping and your family. my plea is that, I know very well through your coverage how bad Port Au Prince is, the scene in the capital is nothing compare to what's happenning in the south side of Port Au Prince such as carrefour, gressier, Leogane. Leogane is where my family is, I've heard that mostly all houses there are down. i'm afraid in all this chaos that they will be forgotten. please i beg of you to do a little bit of coverage on Leogane at least people will know that we have been affected, to also include us for help, food, and drink
@Mike, formerly from Syracuse,
"From it's very independence from a slave revolt in the 1700's up until now Haiti has had a continuous string of dictators who put themselves first."
That is absolutely correct and President Preval isn't any better.
Kudo's to CNN for speaking up for the dirt poor Haitian people that have been repeatedly robbed by corrupt politicians in Haiti and in the White House while American taxpayers have repeatedly footed the bill.
My name is Fabiola and I am looking for my family in Grand Goave. my family and I been trying to call them for three days now and we cant get through. my grandmother name is Mrs Carnse or my uncle Ti Carnse. our last name is Dutreuil. my grandmother address is 60 Rue de Enterment .
please help us.
my grandmother was suppose to come to my wedding in September and walk me down the isle.
It's easy to blame the US, but Haiti has chosen their own 'system' and that system is basically corrupt.
@ A. Smith, that's what I thought. How do we get the word out that some relief forces should go there and not just Port-au-Prince? We have a problem of a misdistribution of resources once again.
Is there anyway of taking pictures of the deceased, so that people looking for their families can and will know before their bodies are taken away and dumped in a heap!!! Thank you for what you are doing, maybe the pictures can be posted somewhere on a crumpled wall or somewhere. Oh God help the people of Haitti and you all who are helping them. Give them strength and courage to continue their/your plight. God bless you all!!! Bobbie Miller
I will donate money and anything I can find to the Haiti people.....all in our thoughts and prayers....may God watch over everyone.