Survivors of the Haiti earthquake, their rescuers and the ensuing chaos resemble that of the end of the world, according to a Calgarian who experienced the aftermath of the Indonesia tsunami.
Daniel Clayton, president of local security company Diligence, said the mass destruction leaves many people with thoughts of the apocalypse, surrounded by dead bodies and no help in sight.
“The first thing you notice, before anything else, is the overpowering smell of death and decaying bodies. It overtakes you as soon as you breathe the air,” he said, likening his experience in Indonesia with that of the situation communicated to him by his team in Haiti.
Clayton’s team, helping with security efforts to prevent looting in the capital of Port-au-Prince, said they are experiencing much of the same chaos as Indonesia, but worse in terms of violence and looting.
“The next 12 to 24 hours are critical. The supplies and aid should be approaching and it’s likely (our team) will be ambushed by people in desperation and shock.”
Despite the arrival of relief, the massive aid effort can’t save everyone, Clayton said.
“It’s inevitable that every time a natural disaster happens, some of those (they are) going to help will succumb to death, dehydration or disease. It’s inevitable,” he said.
But he also adds, the looting and desperation of survivors is another concern.
“The looting has caused major problems. Looters are being killed in the streets and they predict the problem will only get worse in the coming days.”
Fundraiser
• Three Calgary women are spearheading a drive to mobilize the city’s social-media and business communities to raise funds for victims of the devastating disaster in Haiti.
Camilla Di Giuseppe of CTV Calgary, Alex Ruiz of Calix Media and former Calgary sportswriter Angela MacIsaac have joined forces to organize YYC4Haiti Jan. 28 at Flames Central at 5:30 p.m.
• Visit the group’s Facebook page for more information.
