HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

January 14, 2010. Rescue efforts gear up following earthquake

SOURCE: Corporate Risk International

Thousands of rescue and medical workers began arriving in Haiti in an effort to aid in recovery efforts after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck just south of Port-au-Prince on January 12th. Authorities say it is too early to predict casualty counts, although Haitian President Rene Preval said on January 13th that between 30,000 and 50,000 may be dead.

The U.S. State Department said that any U.S. citizen wishing to leave Haiti should report to the Toussaint Louverture International Airport by 9am local time on January 14th. Two military aircraft are scheduled to leave the airport during the morning hours. At least 60 U.S. nationals have already been airlifted to Guantanamo Bay. No ground transportation is being provided to the airport however, and the majority of roadways are covered in debris.

The city's airport reportedly suffered minimal damages, but is currently only serving military and aid workers. All commercial flights have been canceled and it remains unclear when they will be resumed.

Doctors Without Borders have reportedly set up camp in two hospitals in Port-au-Prince that only suffered minor damages, although most other facilities in the capital city are believed to have collapsed. Nonetheless, the humanitarian group, and most other groups currently on the ground in the city, are reportedly running low on supplies and staff, hampering efforts to care for the injured. Dozens of injured have begun seeking medical treatment in the Dominican Republic while France has offered to evacuate victims to Martinique for medical treatment. The Israeli government has agreed to set up a field hospital to assist with medical needs.

The majority of the area continues to suffer from electricity, telecommunications, and water service cuts. Authorities suspect the lack of running water in Port-au-Prince will lead to numerous outbreaks, with the area at high risk of malaria and other infections. Gasoline supplies have also run out at most petrol stations and most vehicles have been abandoned.

Efforts to clean up streets, which are largely impassable due to rubble and debris, have been hampered by a lack of machinery. The Dominican Republic has pledged to offer machinery.

Meanwhile, small aftershocks continue to be reported in the city. At least 40 have been recorded since the initial quake on January 12th and there is a risk of additional building collapses. False reports of a tsunami and flooding sparked brief panic among crowds of victims in the streets but major unrest has not been reported. Isolated reports of looting have been reported. Gunshots were reportedly fired during the early morning hours, although reports remain unconfirmed and details scarce.