It has been over 150 years since Haiti was last hit by a major earthquake. The impoverished country has long been marked by political instability and is anything but prepared when the seismic waves are sent out through the earth’s crust. Buildings in and around the capital Port-au-Prince are collapsing like houses of cards.
15-year-old Melissa Béralus is stuck among the racial masses. The only body part she can move is her left hand. With it, she tries to sweep away stones to be able to move her head.
– It feels like an eternity. The only thing I can think is that I have to turn my head, otherwise I won’t survive, she says.
Within the next few days, aid is flown in from different parts of the world and soon record sums have been collected to support Haiti. Aid workers traveling from Sweden are met by mutilated bodies and the stench of death. Arms and legs stick out from the remains of the collapsed houses.
The need for help seems endless. But the international support lacks coordination and some of the good intentions have fatal consequences.
Cast:
Melissa Beralusliving in Port-au-Prince.
Daryl Dauphinéliving in Mariani.
Andreas HolmgrenUN employee.
Loudridge HolmgrenAndrea’s wife.
Charlotta Lövedanesthetist.
Johan von Schreebsurgeon.
Björn Lundseismologist.
Sabine Leeprofessor of modern history.
Brian Concannonlawyer.
A documentary by Åsa Welander.
Producer: Ida Lundqvist.
Published: 2022.
Source: ICELAND NEWS