HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

January 19, 2010. Earthquake death toll may reach 200,000; curfew instated as looting escalates in Haiti

SOURCE: Corporate Risk International

A curfew was instated in Port-au-Prince on January 18th; beginning at 6pm local time only police or military officers or residents with security escorts are permitted to walk the streets. Additionally, helicopters are not permitted to make overflights after 6:22pm. The curfew comes after reports of looting and violence have increased as the situation in Haiti becomes increasingly desperate after a 7-magnitude earthquake struck just outside the capital city last week. Increasingly, aid workers and survivors have reportedly been robbed of supplies; two businessmen from the Dominican Republic were reportedly shot and robbed in one incident. There have been several reports of police opening fire with tear gas and live rounds on looters outside grocery stores and other facilities.

The majority of Haitians have been forced to take their security in their own hands, with police urging residents to fight criminals. Isolated gang violence has erupted in some areas; at least three people died and several women were raped when rival gangsters clashed in the Cite Soleil slum. Authorities suspect that gang members who escaped the national penitentiary following the quake have moved back into the slum, which has a long history as one of the country's most gang-ridden and violent neighborhoods.

Casualty reports remain unconfirmed, with the Haitian government predicting the toll could reach 200,000. Thus far, some 70,000 bodies have reportedly been recovered and buried in mass graves. U.S. authorities have confirmed the deaths of at least 24 U.S. nationals while the UN has reportedly confirmed 37 deaths of UN officers while hundreds remain unaccounted for. Dozens of survivors with minor injuries have reportedly died due to infection and there have been a high number of amputations. Dozens of survivors have been pulled from rubble over the last few days. There has been a large exodus from the city, as survivors are fleeing to the countryside. Authorities say bus prices have escalated due to gas shortages and high demand.

Meanwhile, Port-au-Prince's port is expected to open within two to three days after suffering severe damages from the earthquake. While aid continues to arrive in the country, bottle necks have continued to hamper distribution, which remains slow.

The worst hit areas are believed to be outside of Port-au-Prince, where the quake centered. Authorities say 90% of Leogane, some 30km west of the capital, has been destroyed. Between 5,000 to 10,000 residents in Leogane are believed to have been killed. Meanwhile, some 40-50% of buildings in Carrefour have been destroyed.