7.0 How I Survived Haiti

A deep growl and everything collapses...

January 12, 2010, 4:53 p.m.: An earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale hits Haiti. Official tally: 230,000 victims, 1.5 million homeless and 660,000 people displaced within their own country.

Jean Mentens is sitting in his apartment right next to Hotel Montana when everything around him collapses. A bloodcurdling growl comes from deep within the earth. Miraculously, he is one of the few guests who survive the disaster. During the night and the days that follow, an apocalyptic search begins for colleagues, friends, water, food and psychological support in the completely destroyed Port-au-Prince, strewn with dead bodies. There is no telephone to reassure his wife and children.

The author alternates his deeply emotional testimony with chapters on the history, politics and economic situation of Haiti.
In the months following the earthquake, he visits the country again and keeps a diary with first-hand information about the efforts of the UN and aid agencies to lift Haiti out of misery.

Jean Mentens wrote this book especially for everyone who contributed to Haiti after the disaster of January 12 and who wants to know more about the 'how, what and why' of the current situation.