Many persons are being guided by TV media networks as to the situation and response to the earthquake in Haiti. Whilst some networks are less subjective in their reporting the reality is, there is the tendency to report largely on the dramatic events which sensationalize the situation. Their coverage of the disaster is not always widespread owing to limited access and not always complete or current.
Consequently, one should not assess the response on the ground based only on what is seen on TV. For example, the International Committee of the Red Cross quickly set up a website (www.icrc.org/familylinks) for persons to visit which facilitates re-establishing contact with family and friends in Haiti yet one is directed mainly to the CNN website set up for such purpose.
Much of the hold-up in relief supplies reaching the earthquake victims is due to limited access to airports and road access from the airports to Port au Prince.
As a result of desperation on the part of Haitians, security is posing an emerging problem for aid agencies and as of now there are insufficient security personnel on the ground. With little to no functioning infrastructure in Pap the logistics of relief distribution is a nightmare. Notwithstanding, to date 16 Red Cross relief flights have landed – 7 planes in Haiti, 9 planes in Santo Domingo – 300 additional delegates have already arrived to Haiti, including some from the Caribbean.
So far 77 tons of Red Cross aid has landed and distribution commenced. 12 Emergency Response Units manned by specialist teams have arrived there and are now operational or being set-up; these include 2 Logistics ERU, 2 IT/Telecom, 2 Relief/Shelter, 1 Rapid Deployment hospital with surgical capacity to assist 200 people per day, 1 further Field Hospital and 2 Mobile Basic Health Care Units, 1 Fixed Basic Health Care Unit and 4 Water and Sanitation Units operating with more to be deployed.
All relief personnel going into Haiti must be fully self-sufficient in terms of food, water, shelter, transportation and equipment otherwise they become a burden on the host country.
Despite the excellent life-saving work being provided by the Red Cross Movement and other aid agencies there does appear to be a need for improved coordination between the various entities providing assistance and better prioritization of relief flights allowed to land during this emergency operations phase.
Dominica Red Cross
National Headquarters
Federation Drive
Goodwill
Commonwealth of Dominica
Tel: +1 767 448-8280/440 2483
Fax: +1 767 448 7708
Email: [email protected]
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