Filed under: Bangladesh, Donate!, ECHO, Emergency Relief, Fundraiser, Health Care, Orphans | Tags: Donation, Earthquake, Haiti
By Samihah Azim
With the worst earthquake in two centuries devastating the developing nation of Haiti, it’s important to remember that long after the immediate impact of a natural disaster, after most people’s minds have moved on to other calamities and crises around the world, help (particularly financial and redevelopment assistance), is still desperately needed. Take, for example, the tsunami that hit Indonesia and South East Asia or the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Even years after both tragedies occurred, there’s still a need for redevelopment assistance – there are schools and other infrastructure that need to be rebuilt as well as a local economy that needs assistance.
A couple of years ago, a cyclone devastated the south-western coast of Bangladesh. In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, there was an outpouring of aid and support from the international community. However, looking at Bangladesh now, there’s still a lot that needs to get done but won’t either because of financial constraints, or limited resources. This is why it is so important to keep in mind the long-term financial need for areas of the world struck by natural disasters. Often, it is long after a devastating calamity has struck and long after people’s minds have moved on, that these areas need the most assistance. The area hit by the cyclone in Bangladesh still needs assistance whether in a financial form, or in the form of schools, hospitals, and orphanages. This is what ECHO strives to do – not just provide aid immediately after a natural disaster, but to continue to provide aid even after the international community, with their generous support and donations, has left.
When donating to Haiti, remember that although there is an immediate financial need for support and aid, there will be, perhaps, an even greater need in the years to come. Try donating to organizations that focus on long-term redevelopment; these organizations will aid the communities devastated by horrific natural disasters for years to come – long after most people have left, and the need for rebuilding and jump starting the local economy are still there.
*Photo Credit: Flickr User Harpagornis*
