Images of Port au Prince

The earthquake epicenter was in Port au Prince, the largest and most populous town in Haiti. As is widely known, over 200,000 people were killed, and continue to die, from the earthquake. As many people will point out, Port au Prince was a dump before the earthquake. But it is far worse now.
I wish I could tell you the story behind each of these buildings and houses. But in all but one case, I won't know anything about the buildings at all. The simple explanation is that yes, there were probably people in the buildings when they fell. No, they probably did not get out alive. Their bodies are trapped in the rubble, and will never be pulled out. The stench of death is prevalent around the larger buildings. There are no definitive plans yet as to how Haiti will clean up all of these buildings. Most people intend to live in their "tents" indefinitely, which will pose some very serious problems come the rainy/hurricane season in a few months. I took over 90 pictures of just destroyed buildings or rubble.

 

  

  

  

  

 (a short video taken on my very cheap quality camera as i walk through downtown port au prince. if i live without ever hearing my valley girl voice again, i will die a happy girl.) 

I said I would only know the story behind one building. That would be the National Palace of Haiti, where the seat of government used to be. This was considered to be one of the most beautiful and powerful buildings in Haiti before the earthquake. It is estimated that over 100 people died inside. One thing I wanted to know, but never got answered is why the Haitian people choose to sleep in the streets in their tents, and not in grassy areas. It really bugs me that the National Palace has such beautiful lawns around it, and no one is sleeping in there. Wouldn't it be more comfortable? And safer?