Menu
19/01/2010
Haiti Disaster Echoes 'How Earth Made Us'
The man behind a major TV natural history series following the impact of earthquakes and volcanoes on human development is in Belfast today.
Professor Iain Stewart - who tells the epic story of how the planet's power has shaped history - is speaking today at W5 in Belfast's Odyssey.
The new BBC Science series, How Earth Made Us, begins this evening on BBC 2 at 9pm and is especially important as rescuers struggle to deal with the aftermath of the devastating Haiti earthquake.
It is a graphic illustration of the power of nature as up to 200,000 people are feared dead in the Caribbean country.
Irish aid worker, Dominic MacSorley who is leading the relief efforts for Irish Aid agency, Concern said it was a huge task.
"When you're driving past and seeing bodies on the road and people crying, it's like a war zone," he said, and said it is the biggest disaster in the nation's history.
The tragedy forms a frightening backdrop to Professor Iain Stewart's programme and introductory talk, which while it features spectacular images, surprising stories and a compelling narrative, there can be no starker illustration of the power of planetary forces than the Haiti disaster.
Meanwhile, the power of the NI public was being illustrated with the success of a local Haiti disaster fund, courtesy of a the Dean of Belfast, Dr Houston McKelvey.
He announced that a special 'Barrel for Haiti' for the survivors of the disaster was being made available for those who would wish to assist the recovery of the victims after the massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean nation last Tuesday.
The barrel is just inside the front door of the cathedral and the Cathedral Stewards and staff will welcome visitors.
Dean McKelvey said the initiative is in response to members of the public who contacted him stating that they would wish to give their support through the Cathedral.
He said today that around £50,000 had already been raised for Christian Aid's Haiti efforts, twice his original target.
See: BBC Picks Unit For 'How Earth Made Us'
(BMcC/GK)
Professor Iain Stewart - who tells the epic story of how the planet's power has shaped history - is speaking today at W5 in Belfast's Odyssey.
The new BBC Science series, How Earth Made Us, begins this evening on BBC 2 at 9pm and is especially important as rescuers struggle to deal with the aftermath of the devastating Haiti earthquake.
It is a graphic illustration of the power of nature as up to 200,000 people are feared dead in the Caribbean country.
Irish aid worker, Dominic MacSorley who is leading the relief efforts for Irish Aid agency, Concern said it was a huge task.
"When you're driving past and seeing bodies on the road and people crying, it's like a war zone," he said, and said it is the biggest disaster in the nation's history.
The tragedy forms a frightening backdrop to Professor Iain Stewart's programme and introductory talk, which while it features spectacular images, surprising stories and a compelling narrative, there can be no starker illustration of the power of planetary forces than the Haiti disaster.
Meanwhile, the power of the NI public was being illustrated with the success of a local Haiti disaster fund, courtesy of a the Dean of Belfast, Dr Houston McKelvey.
He announced that a special 'Barrel for Haiti' for the survivors of the disaster was being made available for those who would wish to assist the recovery of the victims after the massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean nation last Tuesday.
The barrel is just inside the front door of the cathedral and the Cathedral Stewards and staff will welcome visitors.
Dean McKelvey said the initiative is in response to members of the public who contacted him stating that they would wish to give their support through the Cathedral.
He said today that around £50,000 had already been raised for Christian Aid's Haiti efforts, twice his original target.
See: BBC Picks Unit For 'How Earth Made Us'
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
20 January 2010
Ireland Mourns Haiti Loss
It has been confirmed that the Irish citizen who died alongside tens of thousands of local people in the Haiti earthquake was married to a Co Down woman. Andrew Grene, who was working for the United Nations died when the office building he was working in collapsed.
Ireland Mourns Haiti Loss
It has been confirmed that the Irish citizen who died alongside tens of thousands of local people in the Haiti earthquake was married to a Co Down woman. Andrew Grene, who was working for the United Nations died when the office building he was working in collapsed.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
26 January 2018
Over 200 Jobs Under Threat At Kilroot Power Station
Kilroot Power Station in Carrickfergus is facing a possible closure after it failed to win a major contract. Over 200 jobs are at risk and the plant faces closure at the end of May.
Over 200 Jobs Under Threat At Kilroot Power Station
Kilroot Power Station in Carrickfergus is facing a possible closure after it failed to win a major contract. Over 200 jobs are at risk and the plant faces closure at the end of May.
29 January 2010
Belfast Fun Run To Aid Haiti
Hundreds of people are expected to converge on Ormeau Park in south Belfast this Sunday (31st) to take part in a special Fun Run to raise funds for the survivors of the Haiti earthquake.
Belfast Fun Run To Aid Haiti
Hundreds of people are expected to converge on Ormeau Park in south Belfast this Sunday (31st) to take part in a special Fun Run to raise funds for the survivors of the Haiti earthquake.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
