Current Events Blog

Weather is one of the most unpredictable phenomenons on our planet earth today. As you have most likely heard on the news, seen in newspapers such as the New York Times, or read on a social networking site, Japan was demolished in a tragic earthquake and tsunami last year on January 11, 2011. After a devastating 8.9 earthquake shook and destroyed Japanese grounds, an enormous tsunami crashed upon the victims once again. Very quickly after this tsunami slammed down onto the ground, the internet and news stations were swarming with fear. The people of Japan were stranded and helpless against this overpowering wall of water and wind that was destroying everything that they had worked for. Most importantly and tragically, many thousands of people were unable to save their family, friends, and themselves. Houses and cars were swept into the roaring ocean and roofs were lifted off of homes and thrown miles away. Today, the citizens of Japan are continuing to rebuild their cities and homes, but they will never be able to make up for the losses of their loved ones.

As soon I heard of this horrible disaster, I felt deep sympathy for the victims struggling just to stay alive in Japan. Living in this part of New England, I have never encountered a storm of this extreme, such as an earthquake or tsunami. Just from viewing the videos and looking at pictures, I realized how horrifying this really was and still is, as the devastation has lasted for a year after. It will have very long term consequences in the years to come for people’s health and the environment. Putting myself in the shoes of a victim of this storm is very hard to imagine. But, one question I asked myself after this happened was,”How can I help?”

Many people who work for rescue services immediately flew down to Japan to help victims out of collapsed homes and to save lives. Even at Dodd, a place very far away from Japan, there are most likely relatives of students who traveled to lend a helping hand at the time of the earthquake and during its aftermath. Thirteen or fourteen years old is an age where we are too young to be at the site of the disaster, but that definitely shouldn’t keep you from assisting if you are able to. Many very popular stars such as Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, and Oprah Winfrey were promoting the message “Save Japan” and raising funds to support the people living in shelters after the storm. Sometimes, I think that people can become absorbed in their own lives and aren’t fully aware of the true state of others during a time of need. Raising awareness of ways to help others by giving donations, participating in fundraisers, or going on walks is a very important step in continuing to help the victims in Japan. So, even if you have a few spare minutes on a Friday afternoon, or have nothing to do on a Sunday, I would recommend researching this event to learn more about the tragic morning on January 11, 2011 and to find out more about ways to help. Also, Japan is not the only place in need of a helping hand. There are poverty stricken cities and places in need all around the world. As I have asked myself, what do you think you can do to save Japan?

~Micaela Estrada

Haiti: A Nation Still in Shambles

On Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, a massive 7.0 earthquake hit the fragile nation of Haiti. It was so large that even people living in the Dominican Republic claimed to have felt it. The Haitian Government reported estimates of 316,000 deaths, 300,000 injuries, and 1,000,000 homeless. There were also at least 250,000 homes and 30,000 commercial buildings destroyed or severely damaged. Not only that, but there were 52 aftershocks of 4.5 magnitude or lower recorded in the weeks following. It has been about 2 years since the earthquake, but many parts of the nation still look the same. As far as we know, Haiti is still in shambles.

Since the earthquake, there has not been a lot of rebuilding and there are over 550,000 people still living in tents and camps with no drains, running water, or electricity. Many Haitians have annual rents of $500, but with no jobs or income they are finding it hard to pay them. But the saddest thing is is that about $2.38 billion was donated by people all over the world and not much has been happening down there. Political disputes have been going on since and it sounds like they are not going to end soon. The new President is brand new to politics so very little decisions have been made. Jobs and new housing developments were promised to the citizens but they never got them. But what has happened is that over 60,000 children have been able to attend school, half of the country has been cleared of rubble, and new roads have been paved across the country. So Haiti has made some progress, but they still have a long way to go. They have a lot of work to do to get everything built.

~Taylor McKinley

7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Japan

On January first, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake rattled Japanese citizens. The earthquake hit at 10:58 IST, as Emperor Akihito led the country’s New Year celebrations.  He was asking the Japanese to work together and make a new Japan after the earlier earthquake and tsunami disaster of in March, 2011. Emperor Akihito said: “Our country is now going through difficult times because of the earthquake and other factors, he said.” There were no known fatalities and little damage; but specific details were not available at the time I wrote this. These are links to websites that will give further information on the unfolding events and are two sources I used to write this blog.

I think that this caused such a stir in Japan, because of last year’s earthquake and tsunami on March 11th, 2011.On the 11th a magnitude 9.0 earthquake devastated Tohoku, Japan. The March Tohoku earthquake was the most powerful known earthquake ever to have hit Japan, and it triggered a powerful tsunami and eventually, a nuclear crisis. Last year, when the tsunami and earthquake hit northeastern Japan, it left thousands of people dead or missing. I think that the people of Japan are frightened of re-living that horrible day in March of 2011. They are afraid that this earthquake will take them back, back to the time when they lost so many loved ones, homes, and jobs.

~Matt Stayner