Haiti 2010 Hannah Freibert

In January of 2010, an estimated 3 million people's lives were shaken with a magnitude of 7.0 MMS. The initial earthquake that took place on January 12th was followed by over 50 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater. Between 100,000 and 300,000 Haitians fell victim to this catastrophe. Haiti, flushed with poverty prior to the disaster, suffered immensely, losing about 70% of buildings in the country's capital, Port-au-Prince. Medical centers crucial to providing the necessary care to victims crumbled to the ground, along with notable landmark buildings.

Pictured above, a woman covers her mouth with a cloth to filter the contaminated air resulting from fallen debris. Around her lie the ruins of a community. Powerful pictures like this one circulated the globe as countries around the world responded to Haiti's cries for aid. Rescue teams, medical care, supplies, and sanitation became aid priorities. While yielding devastating effects, the 2010 earthquake represents a time nations have joined forces to respond to the humanitarian instinct to help those in need.