Haitian Palace and Surrounding Area

Across from the destroyed presidental palace is a tent city. Most governmental buildings are destroyed, and this contributes to the disfunction of the Haitian government. In some cases, children salvage through the rubble. Building after building is pancaked. The military barracks near the presidental palace are destroyed. Dust and smoke fill the air. In some places garbage burns like Gehenna. Frequently, our truck has to transverse large holes in the road. Flies swarm around piles of garbage in the street. People stand in long lines in front of Western Union waiting to receive money transfers. There is very little heavy equipment to assist in the removal of debris. Human labor breaks concrete blocks apart with sledge hammers. On some streets, the traffic signals are now functional. I have never seen anything quite like this before.

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