Press Release

January 12, 2020
Cardin Commemorates the 10th Anniversary of Haiti’s Devastating Earthquake

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Issues, released the following statement for the 10th anniversary of the January 12, 2010 earthquake that killed nearly 250,000 people, injured over 300,000 and displaced more than 1.5 million.

“Ten years later, the enormous loss of life in Haiti after the massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake and its more than 50 aftershocks remains unfathomable. Man-made factors complicated the recovery efforts, including deep-seated political turmoil, economic stagnation, and social inequalities.

“Nevertheless, Haiti’s resilience is clear and there is reason for hope after a decade of renewal. In the aftermath of the earthquake, tremendous outpourings of support flowed to Haiti from around the U.S. and around the world. The international community worked hand in hand with Haitians to rescue survivors and rebuild the nation.

“Although there has been progress, much more work remains. The Haitian people continue to call on their government to improve Haiti’s physical infrastructure and strengthen its social fabric and institutions. We stand in solidarity with those who demand a fully operational, accountable, and responsive Haitian government in the face of political discord, human rights abuses, and corruption.

“As we mourn the lives lost during the tragic 2010 earthquake, we send our condolences to the Haitian people and the Haitian diaspora, and we pledge to continue working for a brighter future for Haiti and the Haitian people.”

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