MFJM01: Impact of Hurricane Gustav on Haiti

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 PORT AU PRINCE 001229

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CAR
STATE PASS TO AID FOR LAC/CAR
WHA/EPSC
SANTO DOMINGO FOR FCS
TREASURY FOR SARAH GRAY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC KFLO MARR PREL PINR AMGT EAGR EAID
ETRD, ECON, HA
SUBJECT: MFJM01: Impact of Hurricane Gustav on Haiti

PORT AU PR 00001229 001.3 OF 002


Gustav's Impact on Haiti
--------------


1. Category One Hurricane Gustav hit Haiti on August 26. The
Government of Haiti's (GoH) Office of Civil Protection (DPC) lifted
the hurricane alert in the early morning of August 28. DPC figures
indicate, as of August 28, 59 deaths, 7 missing, 25 injured, 8082
people in shelters, 1283 homes destroyed, and 2195 homes damaged.
The Southeast Department was the most heavily hit, with other
departments suffering damage including the West, Grande Anse, the
South and Nippes. These statistics are still preliminary. Damage
assessment teams are still out in the field, and some of the more
isolated areas have yet to be reached.


2. Gustav produced approximately 6 to 12 inches of rainfall over
parts of Haiti, particularly in the South East and West Departments.
Several areas experienced flooding, especially one of
Port-au-Prince's poorest neighborhoods, Cite Soleil (located in the
north of Port-au-Prince). Some 4,000 residences of Cite Soleil were
evacuated, most of them from the Bois Neuf area surrounding the
flood plains of Riviere Grise. The UN's Office for the Coordination
of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the most significant
floods are in Jacmel, Leogane, Petit Goave, Miragoane, the Cul de
Sac plain, and Port de Paix, resulting in isolation of some
populations. According to the DPC, other cities such as Grand
Goave, Petit Goave and Jacmel had 878, 467, and 755 persons
respectively in shelters. OCHA reported that several roads were
severely damaged and bridges submerged. Hurricane Gustav caused
extensive damage to the cropland, livestock and housing. The road
damage is expected to hinder the transport of goods and services in
the southeastern part of the country, which may subsequently cause
an increase in commodity prices in an already inflationary economy.
OCHA is responding to several electrical repair and fuel requests.


Government of Haiti Response
--------------


3. The GoH, through the Ministry of Interior's Office of Civil
Protection (DPC),has been quick to publish statistics and figures
associated with Gustav's damage. It has also set-up 79 emergency
shelters in the southern part of the country. The GoH on August 28
lifted the 'Red Alert', reopened maritime ports and airports in
Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Cap Haitien, Hinche, and Port de Paix.
However, the GoH cautioned the population to remain vigilant and not
touch fallen electrical or telephone poles. The DPC damage
assessment teams are not yet able to assess accurately the damage
due to flooding and cut-off roads. The DPC is also working closely
with USAID/OFDA. They are in communication with the local Disaster
Mitigation Committees (DMCs) and relying on them to begin the
initial damage assessment work.

USG Response
--------------


4. U.S. Coast Guard Seventh District provided a fixed wing aircraft
to fly over the southeast corner peninsula of Haiti (the "Southern
Claw") on August 28 for an aerial damage assessment, though
lingering Gustav cloud cover limited visibility in some hard-hit
areas such as Cotes de Fer; the information will be provided to the
GoH (DPC) to facilitate response and recovery efforts. Today, a
USCG helicopter will take OFDA and DPC staff to observe
severely-impacted and isolated areas of the South East, West, and
Nippes Departments. Embassy Coast Guard Liaison Office is
developing flight plans for these missions with the help of
information provided by US SOUTHCOM resources. A USAID/OFDA team of
three advisors is in-country to assist on the following: a) Gustav
damage assessment; b) hurricane-related reporting, and, c)
preparation of a rehabilitation response plan. USAID/Haiti mission
staff are involved in these tasks and all of USAID's work is
coordinated under the GOH's Office of Civil Protection (DPC).

International Community Response
--------------


5. OCHA, World Food Program (WFP) and UNICEF are supporting the
GoH's emergency relief efforts and were able to assist immediately
3000 families. Most of those persons in the greater Port-au-Prince
area who sought temporary shelter from flooded areas have returned
to their homes. WFP confirmed that food stocks (i.e. rice, beans,
vegetable oil) are available in Jacmel to assist 5,000 to 7,000
families. Pan American Health Organization/WHO has pre-positioned
essential medications. UNICEF is taking the lead in providing water
and sanitation resources, tents, blankets, and hygiene and kitchen
kits. IOM is taking the lead on shelter and non-food items sector.

PORT AU PR 00001229 002.2 OF 002


Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and CARITAS are monitoring the
situation closely. UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
troops are distributing food and water to flood victims, clearing
roads for traffic and providing medical assistance.



SANDERSON