On january 12th, 2010 a catastrophic 7.0 earthquake struck the island nation of Haiti. Leogane, Jacmel, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding rural regions all suffered major damage. The estimated loss of life was above one hundred thousand individuals. Injuries were estimated in the hundreds of thousands. Over three million individuals were displaced. Aid relief was slow due to logistical problems and internal government corruption. Tent cities were constructed out of desperation resulting in unsanitary conditions and disease. Gang members and escaped inmates occupied portions of territory in Port-au-Prince which became prone to violence. Haitian society was forced to cope with an almost irreparable scenario. However, the rebuilding process began and continues. The structural effects of poverty, failing infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, and corruption will have a lasting negative impact on Haitian society.
