Earthquake report:
Sunday afternoon there was an aftershock of 5.2 magnitudes. It did not cause additional loss of life or significant additional damage.
It has taken several days for information to come down from the mountains. The good news is that there was no loss of life in the countryside.
Most all of the block and mortar buildings have been compromised. We will not know the extent until we can do an on-site evaluation. The photos I have seen show stress cracks as well as some crumbling of stucco.
Our apartment is intact, but it has shifted enough that the door can’t be opened.
The homes of the peasants are another matter. They are very primitive, to begin with, either mud/cement on waddle or rocks mortared in a stick frame construction. The majority of these are no longer safely inhabitable and the people are sleeping outside on the ground.
In these first few days, we are trying to facilitate the distribution of the few tarps we keep for emergencies.
Denise and I are both very torn. We both have a sense of urgency, to be on the ground assisting. Denise is, and will be, unable to travel for some time yet. And my place is here, taking care of her until she is able to fend for herself. She has an appointment with her surgeon on Monday and we will evaluate my travel plans again then.
When I am free to travel, I will buy construction supplies with money donated for earthquake relief in Port au Prince. We will then transport and distribute to the neediest families in our rural mountain area.
100% of money donated for earthquake relief will go to buy materials for reconstruction and repairs.
Please pray.
Blessings, Bob