Haitian relief intensifies
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
On Saturday, Haitian authorities and international partners took advantage of the improved weather conditions, delivering relief to Gonaives, in the south and the south-east of Haiti.
In Gonaives, food rations for three days, water as well as hygiene kits were distributed to approximately 4,000 people.
Setbacks
However, security issues prevented some planned distributions. Also, the authorities in Gonaives issued alerts in the wake of Hurricane Ike to evacuate areas most at risk.
More damage
Unfortunately, Ike compounded the situation by lashing many regions of the country in the early hours of Sunday morning. Several more bridges were destroyed or seriously damaged.
The Haitian Ministry of Education has reported that 37 schools have also been damaged by the storms.
Struggling with living costs
The series of natural disasters affecting Haiti has come at a critical time, as the majority of the population is already struggling with raising living costs.
At the moment, 56% of the population have only US $1 per day to spend. Close to 80% only have US $2 per day at their disposal.
The increase in food prices coupled with the impact of the 2008 hurricane season means that Haiti is in a very vulnerable position.
Responding on La Gonâve
On the island of La Gonâve, emergency goods were distributed by Concern on 8 September, in coordination with the local civil protection committees. The same quantities are being shipped to the other side of the island, which cannot be reached by road.
Martissant
Concern distributed hygiene kits and blankets to 68 families staying in emergency shelter and 101 families in Grand Ravine Shelter, Martissant. Both of these shelters are being managed by local organisations and receiving food aid from the Red Cross and Oxfam.
Saut d’Eau
The bridge connecting the main road to Saut d’Eau was swept away. The other two roads leading to Saut d’Eau are also impassable. Up to 500 people have been left homeless with hundreds of homes destroyed.
Concern is exploring ways of getting 600 hygiene and kitchen kits to Saut d’Eau using alternative trails; possibly mule or with manpower from the local community.
