The death toll is climbing in Port-au-Prince,Haiti.A school collapsed killing at least 80 students.This terrible tragedy was the result of a structural defect,not the result of the natural disasters that have hit Haiti.Here's an excerpt from MSNBC:
"The concrete building's third story was still under construction, and Petionville's mayor told The Associated Press she suspects a structural defect caused the collapse, not the recent chain of tropical storms that swept devastation across Haiti.
Police commissioner Francene Moreau says the minister who runs the church-operated school could face criminal charges. Efforts to reach the preacher were not successful.(END OF EXCERPT) Read the rest here; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27595445
Due to the extreme poverty in Haiti, there are more buildings that may be facing the same fate. Hopefully, there will not be anymore calamities like this. If this could have been prevented by the minister who runs that school, he should be charged accordingly. The article also stated that those who lived downhill from the school left their land because they feared the school would collapse on them. Then, it goes on to reveal that the school's owner tried to buy the abandoned properties. If that's true, the school's owner needs to face criminal charges as well. My prayers go out to the victims & their families. What a horrific calamity!
Here's the contact info for those who want to assist in this tragedy.The American Red Cross has posted the following information on their site:
"INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE FUND
You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org." (END OF EXCERPT)
