HAITI: STORM STIUATION REPORT 7

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 PORT AU PRINCE 001274 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/EX, WHA/CAR VDEPIRRO, S/ES-O/CMS STATE PASS AID FOR LAC/CAR, OFDA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC MARR PREL PINR AMGT EAGR EAID ECON, HA SUBJECT: HAITI: STORM STIUATION REPORT 7 REF: A. S/ES-O/CMS HURRICANE PORTAL ¶B. PAP 01270 SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Embassy Assistance Working Group met September 9 at 0745 HRS to discuss efforts to deliver and distribute emergency food and other supplies to various regions of the country impacted by recent hurricanes and tropical storms. The Haitian Civil Protection Department (DPC) estimated September 8 the number of dead at 328 persons. Overall casualty figures may continue to rise as a result of increased access to affected areas. More than 101,800 families have been affected by the storms and flooding, according to DPC. U.S. assistance agencies and the U.S. military continue efforts to coordinate and deliver emergency aid to residents in dire need, in cooperation with Haitian Government, NGO and international partners. End summary. Hurricane Ike's Impact -------------- ¶2. (U) The DPC assessed that over fifty persons were reported dead and thirteen missing from recent flooding in Cabaret. Mayor of Cabaret Thomas Wills reported that the Torcel and Bretel rivers overflowed their banks on September 6 as a result of Hurricane Ike-induced rains. (Note: Cabaret is approximately 24 miles from Port-au-Prince in the western region. Estimated population is 70,000. End note.) Government of Haiti Actions -------------- ¶3. (SBU) In a September 8 session, Haiti's Chamber of Deputies passed a law requiring all NGOs involved in disaster assistance to work through the DPC. The bill -- yet to be voted on in the Senate -- does not require NGOs to channel their funding through the DPC. USAID assesses this law, if passed, will not negatively impact USG disaster assistance, since USAID's working relationship with the DPC is characterized as ''excellent.'' ¶4. (U) Minister of Economy and Finance Daniel Dorsainvil said September 8 the Haitian economy has been seriously affected by successive hurricanes and storms, which will deeply damage the agricultural sector and residential properties, and worsen food insecurity. He warned that economic growth forecasts for this year will be revised downward, to less than 2.5 percent. Accessibility -------------- ¶5. (SBU) OFDA reports that at a humanitarian coordination meeting in Port-au-Prince September 8, multiple relief agencies noted that several large areas remain inaccessible and communities in southern regions have yet to receive assistance since August 26. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports improved access and distribution of relief commodities within Gonaives, although further capacity is required to reach additional populations in need. Food Security -------------- ¶6. (SBU) A UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative reported September 8 that while assessments of food security and the full impact of recent storms and flooding on agricultural production are underway throughout the country, early reports indicate that nearly all crops in the current planting season are either damaged or destroyed. Flooding has damaged irrigation systems, which present challenges to resumption of agricultural production in the next planting season. USS KEARSARGE -------------- ¶7. (SBU) By approximately 11h00 local time, four MH-53 helicopters from the USS Kearsarge departed Port-au-Prince airport, carrying bulk food commodities destined for Les Cayes in the southern region. The USS Kearsarge is generating clean drinking water that also will be delivered to affected regions. A vessel carrying 1,000 ten-liter water containers filled with potable drinking water and approximately 150 metric tons of UN World Food Program PORT AU PR 00001274 002 OF 002 emergency food relief is scheduled to arrive in Gonaives September 9. Airlifts scheduled for Port-de-Paix in the northwest region are temporarily postponed due to flooding at landing sites. Ambassador and Prime Minister Pierre-Louis surveyed Gonaives and surrounding areas by USS Kearsarge helicopter September 9. HEALTH -------------- ¶8. (SBU) CDC reported that its epidemiologist will work with GoH medical staff in Port-au-Prince September 9-10 to become familiar with its operations and to discuss establishing a surveillance system. CDC noted that Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors without Borders -- Belgium, France and Spain -- have arrived to support medical assistance delivery. CDC and MSF will coordinate and identify physicians available in-country. CDC highlighted the critical need for medications to be delivered up-country. Access challenges have compounded the problem of delivery to the northwestern region, although medications were pre-positioned in some areas. AMERICAN CITIZENS WELFARE -------------- ¶9. (SBU) CONS continues to work to assist stranded American citizens. A primary contact list for assistance to aid Amcits who seek emergency food and supplies will be developed with the assistance of USAID. CONS is collaborating with MLO and MINUSTAH to respond to a request for evacuation to Port-au-Prince from (3) Amcit missionaries reportedly stranded in the vicinity of Gonaives. There have been no reports of Amcit deaths or injuries. SECURITY AND MOVEMENT -------------- ¶10. (SBU) RSO reported there have been no reports of looting or increased crime as a result of the floods. Water in many affected areas is reportedly receding, but high water levels remain. RSO shared information on the location of roads that have been washed out and bridges in disrepair. (Note: USAID noted Ministry of Public Works engineers and USS Kearsarge engineers will meet together September 9 to define access points in order to effectively deliver much-needed food and supplies. The ministry is reportedly developing a countrywide damage assessment. End note.) ¶11. (U) Port-au-Prince airport is open and flights are on a regular schedule. SANDERSON