

It rains, it pours: Haiti’s tragedy compounds
Aug 17, 2021
Sarah Burke, The Economist's Bureau Chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, shares insights into the dire situation in Haiti, exacerbated by natural disasters and political instability. Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia Bureau Chief, reflects on the fraught history between India and Pakistan, stemming from their 1947 partition and the ongoing Kashmir conflict. The discussion also touches on Indonesia's unexpected rise to badminton prominence, showcasing its cultural significance and the nation's sporting triumphs.
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Earthquake Impact
- Haiti's earthquake struck a remote, impoverished area, hindering aid access.
- This exacerbates existing challenges like destroyed hospitals and infrastructure.
Aid Worker's Experience
- Alain Joseph, an aid worker in Haiti, was listening to music when the earthquake struck.
- He described the experience as "surfing a great wave" as his house shook.
Underlying Conditions
- The earthquake's impact may be greater than 2010 due to pre-existing political instability and poverty.
- Haiti's political turmoil, including the president's assassination, worsens the situation.