NC State Experts Can Offer Insight On Haiti Disaster

The eyes of the world are now focused on Haiti, and the effects of the recent earthquake disaster on the island nation are still unfolding. North Carolina State University researchers can help explain what happened and what it could mean for Haiti’s political and economic future.

Dr. Clifford Griffin, associate professor of political science, 919/515-5048 or clifford_griffin@ncsu.edu, is an expert on Haitian and Caribbean politics and development. “The earthquake is a huge setback for Haiti, as the country was slowly mending its economy and developing a nascent tourism industry. However, despite problems on the ground, President Preval has been able to maintain some sense of stability and order,” Griffin says.

Dr. Tom Birkland, William T. Kretzer Professor of Public Policy, 919/513-7799 or tom_birkland@ncsu.edu, is an internationally recognized expert on social aspects of disasters and disaster response. Birkland can discuss infrastructure challenges facing relief experts, such as damage to ports, airports, utilities and roads. He can also discuss potential follow-on effects, such as public health consequences, civil disorder and continued structural damage from aftershocks.

Dr. Del Bohnenstiehl, assistant professor of geophysics, 919/515-7449 or delwayne_bohnenstiehl@ncsu.edu, is an expert on earthquakes who can discuss exactly how and why earthquakes happen.

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