On Tuesday afternoon, January 12, the Dominican Republic was also impacted by the seismic activity that destroyed the capital of Haiti putting to test their ability to deal with such circumstances and their capacity to provide help simultaneously. Citizens of the Dominican Republic where also significantly impacted by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake provoking a wave of despairs, chaos and above up, compassion for the people drastically affected in Haiti.
There is no comparison to the many lives lose that day and to the many structures that were brutally turned down by this catastrophic phenomenon. Nonetheless, one cannot ignore its impact in the Dominican Republic, which caused insecurity and fear. Before the news was widely spread, a resident, Fausto Nunez, of a small town called Cebú in Santiago demonstrated concern for his poorly built house, which was tremble for about 10 seconds, according to his observations.
The response given by the government of the Dominican Republic, other nations worldwide, individuals, organizations and private donors to help the damaged in Haiti have been outstanding. The Dominican Republic alone donated RD$486 millions without considering services provided such as medics, cooks, food, and transportation for the damaged to hospitals in the Dominican Republic. Nonetheless, many residents of Cebú feels that, to the date, there has been a weak response by its government in providing support for those that had a traumatic response to the seismic activity, especially in the area of a Cibao where the earthquake was felt with the great intensity.
Fausto Nunez, a 36 years old father and husband, demonstrates the despair he went through while his poor house built out of wood shacked back and forward. He explained that “despite the short durability of the movement, I am extremely concern about whether or not the house can resist another movement of that magnitude.” Nunez claimed to be one of the many residents in this little town that feels insecure after the earthquake. He feels that the government should take action and prioritize this matter since there is not guarantee that another earthquake of even greater magnitude won’t occur.
Nunez claim raises considerable concerns about the efficiency of the Dominican government in time of need. There is no doubt of the crisis that was swamping Haiti at the moment and with the Dominican Republic being the first country in its rescue, makes it difficult to held them accountable for inefficiency. Despites this there are residents like Nunez who belief that the government of the Dominican Republic first should address its population and then should they immediately send help to Haiti, where the impact was significantly greater.
The Dominican Republic rapid action is something remains open, thus there are those who, like Nunez, strongly believe that some type of support should be provided in a tamely manner. Others believe that this should be a time to seriously consider the resources and the services available in such circumstances. Maria Ramirez, a 26 years old mother and resident of Cebu who was also impacted by the earthquake, remembered her traumatic experience in the little town’s hospital and the incapability of its personal to deal with situations that entails despair, nervousness and spontaneous reactions. “I was brutally clam down,” she claimed, “as personal in the hospital tried to stabilize and get me to comeback to normal condition. They weren’t prepared to deal with such circumstances.”
Only a few weeks have passed since the earthquake and not detailed assessment has been done regarding the Dominican Republic’s reaction to the phenomenon that transformed a nation forever. However, it is clearly stated by Nunez and Ramirez that its government should provide trained personal to give support emotionally and additional personal to re-evaluate structural damages to reinstall security among the people.
By José A. Morán
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Really nice re-writes, Jose. I can see you really heard what we were saying class. The first graph now really reflects the essence of the story. The writing is a little clunky - but that will improve with time! The point is you got the essence of the story into the top.
ReplyDeleteThere is still quite a bit that reads like an editorial: saying the response was "outstanding" for example. But work on being less editorial in teh future. For the topic you choose it would have been hard to do any primary reporting. Maybe for next story pick a smaller topic.
Also, watch out for assumptions and overstatements, like "many" residents feel... you can't say that because you don't really know if 'many' residents felt that way because you didn't interview many residents. you see?
Also, you have a few little quirks in your writing that I think might be well addressed at the writing center. Just basic stuff. Let's discuss.
Well done!