Haiti – Storms Fact Sheet #9 (FY) 2008

Source: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Date: 19 Sep 2008

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BUREAU FOR DEMOCRACY, CONFLICT, AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE (DCHA)
OFFICE OF U.S. FOREIGN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (OFDA)

Note: The last fact sheet was dated September 18, 2008.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

- On September 19, USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (USAID/DART) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff traveled to Gonaïves, Artibonite Department, to assess humanitarian needs, particularly within the health and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors. USAID/DART and CDC staff are scheduled to return to Port au Prince on September 21.

- On September 20, USAID/DART staff are scheduled to travel to Bainet, Belle Anse, and Cotes de Fer, South East Department, to assess food and health needs.

- The USAID/DART reported that WASH and livelihood recovery activities are key priorities for the coming weeks. The USAID/DART also identifies the need for cash-for-work clean-up programs in Gonaïves.

- To date in FY 2008, the total value of U.S. Government (USG) humanitarian assistance in response to recent storms is nearly $30 million.


NUMBERS AT A GLANCE SOURCE
Total Affected Population 850,000 GOH(1) – September 15, 2008
Dead 423 OCHA(2) – September 15, 2008
Missing 50 GOH – September 11, 2008
IDPs(3) 151,072 GOH – September 10, 2008
IDPs in Shelters 111,391 OCHA – September 15, 2008
Other Damage 10,842 houses destroyed,
35,125 houses damaged GOH – September 11, 2008


FY 2008 HUMANITARIAN FUNDING TO DATE FOR HAITI HURRICANES IN 2008
USAID/OFDA Assistance(4): $9,800,000
USAID/FFP(5) Assistance(6): $14,000,000
USAID/Haiti Assistance: $5,000,000
DOD(7) Assistance: $659,000
DHS(8) Assistance: Amount Forthcoming
Total USG Humanitarian Assistance to Haiti for Hurricanes in 2008: $29,459,000

CURRENT SITUATION

Health

- On September 18, CDC reported the need for clarification regarding accessibility of existing health centers to populations in need. CDC staff also noted a need for quantitative epidemiological surveillance data for flood-affected areas, including Gonaïves.

- CDC staff have expressed concern regarding the need for diagnostic laboratory capacity in flood-affected areas.

- CDC staff on the ground are currently exploring the possibility of providing laboratory assistance as part of the emergency response.

- On September 17, the USAID/DART WASH specialist traveled to Gonaïves with CDC staff to survey the current situation. On September 19, USAID/DART and CDC staff returned to Gonaïves to further assess humanitarian needs, particularly within the health and WASH sectors.

Logistics and Relief Supplies

- On September 19, three U.S. military helicopters are scheduled to airlift 15 metric tons (MT) of Action Contre la Faim (ACF) WASH relief supplies to Gonaïves. The U.S. Military is also scheduled to transport 100 MT of U.N. World Food Program (WFP) and ACF emergency food aid to Saint Marc, Artibonite Department, using sea assets.

- As of September 19, USS Kearsarge helicopters and boats have transported a total of 1,062.9 MT of emergency food and relief commodities on 93 air and sea missions to Jeremie, Les Cayes, Port de Paix, Gonaïves, and Saint Marc.

Shelter

- According to CDC and multiple relief agencies, many temporary shelters are currently operating out of school facilities. Humanitarian agencies note that the commencement of the academic year on October 6 may be delayed in several areas. In addition, relief agencies note concern regarding sufficient shelter space for displaced populations.

- To address needs, USAID/OFDA has provided funds to IOM to support shelter and settlements activities.