NATIONS UNIES UNITED NATIONS Bureau de la Coordination des Office for the Coordination Affaires Humanitaires of Humanitarian Affairs ( OCHA ) (OCHA)
SITUATION REPORT # 1
HAITI: Tropical Storm Hanna and Gustav update 02 September 2008
I GENERAL SITUATION
Few days after being struck by hurricane Gustav, Haiti was unexpectedly hit by tropical storm Hanna. No previous warning had been issued by the national meteorological institute, as the expected path of Hanna was pass ing north of Haiti. However, possibly due to the dynamics with other tropical storms in the regions (Gustav in the North, Ike and Josephine in the South East), Hanna abruptly changed its course and turned 90 Degree, heading south directly towards the northern coast of Haiti.
Heavy rains affected the North, North West , in particular the Artibonite department. Its capital, Gonaives was hit by floods believed to be worse than during Tropica l Storm Jeanne in 2004. In some parts of the city, water reached over 3 meters. Heavy rains and wind gusts were also effective during the entire night of 1 September and the day of 2 September on the departments of South, South East, Grand Anse, West and Nippes, that were already hit by hurricane Gustav. At least 500 people are believed to be still on the roof s in Bienac, while most of the rest fled to the hills and mountains to protect themselves from the rising level of water.
It was on the evening of 01 September when the country was faced with winds and rains . B y 4 am this morning, hurricane Hanna made landfall in the northern part of the country mostly affecting the department of Artibonite; specifically the region of Gonaives. Subsequently, the Haiti Permanent Secretariat for Disaster Risk Management (SPGRD, French acronym) issued a red warning on the risk of extremely strong winds and rains and mentioned the need for preventive measures. Hanna’s sustained winds have slipped to 70 mph (110 km/h). Compounded with the impact of Gustav, initial estimates of the DPC indicate that some 153,000 families (650,000 people) might be affected across the country. It is also expected that some 5 to 6 thousand people need to be immediately evacuated from affected zones. The North West and Centre were also affected but to a much more limited extent. Heavy rain continues in many parts of the country.
Continuous raining and strong winds impeded the access by air to the most affected regions and the provision of much–needed assistance. Attempts to reach affected areas by land and sea are under way but significantly hampered by the weather. In the absence of more precise information, a very initial rough estimate of people affected by Hanna could be of around 300,000 and may well go beyond that figure. Due to the severity of the situation, a CERF request was issued while a Flash Appeal, in agreement with the government, is being prepared. An UNDAC team has been requested.
II INITIAL RESPONSE
National: The Government of Haiti immediately reacted to the situation. The Minister of Interior, as well as the outgoing and incoming Prime Ministers, left to the most affected region of Gonaives. Reportedly they have not been able to reach the area duet the bad conditions of the weather. This situation is testing the response capacity of the authorities, which are still dealing with the effects of hurricane Gustav. According to the national Civilian Protection Unit (DPC), hurricane Gustav claimed the lives of 79 persons, 7 persons remain missing and 35 injured. Some 3,307 houses were destroyed and 11,827 were damaged. The West, Nippes, South and South West departments were the most affected, in particular around Jacmel and Les Cayes where important areas are still under water.
International: Under the leadership of the DSRSG/RC/HC, existing sectoral coordination mechanisms of the UNCT and IASC CT are working on the development of response plans. On 2 September, sectorial coordination meetings on health, WatSan, food assistance and protection took place. Sectorial coordination meetings on shelter and non-food items are scheduled for 3 September. A UNCT meeting took place on 2 September, an information sharing meeting with NGOs was also held. The next UNCT meeting will be on 3 September at 12 pm, a meeting with the main NGO partners is scheduled the same day. Hurricane Hanna is said to be slightly stronger than hurricane Jeanne (which claimed 3,000 lives in 2004). So far, 2 persons have been confirmed dead in Gonaives although this number is likely to increase following evaluation missions which are being prepared. Humanitarian partners were requested to provide names of participants for an evaluation mission to Gonaive. Helicopters are on stand-by to carry out this mission. Participants agreed that humanitarian response should focus on Search and Rescue efforts.
An UNDAC team is expected in the country soon, to support the assessment of the impact of hurricane Hanna and the resulting humanitarian needs. An UNDAC member, currently working with MINUSTAH, was asked to provide his service in the meantime. An OSOCC was provisionally established inside OCHA premises.
In general, UN agency and NGO capacity to respond has already been stretched by hurricane Gustav; considering that most pre-positioned emergency relief items had already been distributed to affected populations in the South and South West departments. There is urgent need for the replenishment of relief supplies.
UNICEF and WFP bought some 60,000 bottles of water and 7 tons of high energy biscuits, ready to be distributed immediately to the victims of Hanna. In response to hurricane Gustav, WFP has distributed a total of 114,000 tons of humanitarian assistance for approximately 115,000 people since 26 August. In response to Gustav, IOM has distributed some 3000 kitchen kits and 3000 hygiene kits. IOM has ordered some 10,000 kitchen and hygiene kits as well as plastic sheeting destined to the emergency response to Hanna. The World Bank will deploy assessment teams - when conditions are conducive -, focusing on the rehabilitation of roads and bridges.
II. AREAS AFFECTED
Department of Artibonite (Gonaives) In Gonaives heavy rains persisted and the water level is reported to have increased. Movements in the city are still not possible for rescue operations. Four rivers are reported to have high water levels. According to the Military patrol, the road from Cap Haitian to Gonaives was
blocked at the level of Energy. Trees and rocks are obstructing passage. The road from Saint Marc to Gonaives is inaccessible.
Effects on population - Initial estimates by the DPC indicate that over 30,000 people might be affected. - Gonaives hospital flooded. Patients moved to third floor. - Approximately 70 Cuban doctors, currently based there t o provide medical assistance to local population, are also reportedly at risk and might need to be evacuated.
Initial response Three patrols were sent to assess road access to Gonaives. One Military patrol from Cap Haitian and two others from Saint Marc (one joint Security/UNPOL patrol and another one conducted by the Military). It was impossible for the Military patrol to enter into Gonaives with two speed boats. They will spend the night in Saint Marc and will try again at 0400 am on 03 September. The military assisted in the evacuation of patients from the Gonaives hospital for the ground floor to the third floor.
Attempts to deliver humanitarian aid by boat and helicopter were impeded by bad weather. An In particular, an Uruguayan boat could not upload relief items in Port-au-Prince due to bad weather conditions.
Another convoy that joined the military including (CA, Security and PIO) are based in Saint Marc and will resume activities tomorrow.
The Ministry of Interior is visiting Gonaives. Temporary shelters have been opened by authorities.
MSF Belgium is ready to intervene in Gonaives
North West Department Effects on population All northern departments are slightly affected by hurricane Hanna. Floods have been reported in Port de Paix. In the city of Chansolme, some people got displaced when their homes were either lost to floods or landslides.
In Port-de-Paix, the Trois -Rivières river flooded the western part of the town and blocked access. The airport is reportedly under water , while access to the helipad is hindered due to flooding. The helipad has been evacuated and no security was left on the site.
Nippes Department At 10 am, MINUSTAH reported that the water level in Miragoane bridge had drastically increased over the past 12 hours and hindered access to Miragoane from Port au Prince.
MINUSTAH Security sent a restriction on movement.
MINUSTAH staff was advised to communicate with local authorities to ensure that the latter have been appropriately briefed on the situation.
Les Cayes Department The hospital of Les Cayes was reported to be flooded.
The river Ravine (leading to Port Salut) has risen. The bridge is considered to be unsafe for use.
The Lilet River (leading to Port au Prince) is submerged by water.
The South West coastal town is reported in critical situation.
A landslide was reported on the road between Jeremie and Les Cayes. Passage is blocked.
Effects on population Many homes were flooded, populations requesting to be evacuated.
Requests for assistance have been received from communities and communes; particularly from Coteaux where the flooding is reported to be extensive; from Cavaillon and Camp Perrin.
7 persons are reported dead.
Over 1,000 persons are in shelters. One shelter with 200 people was flooded and populations needed to be evacuated.
Initial response URUBAT is participating in the evacuation of patients at the Immaculate Conception Hospital in Les Cayes with the support of OMS/OPS and the Departmental Direction of Public Health.
South East Departme nt Effects on population The FAO office in the commune of Marigot which served as refuge for populations from Pérédo is at risk of flooding; considering the continuous increase in water levels.
Damages Heavy rains which led to the flooding of river Orangers were reported in Jacmel. The zones most at risk are: Siloé, Portail la Gosseline, Bas des Orangers and St Anne which were previously flooded by hurricane Gustav.
If populations are required to stay longer in temporary shelters, they will require more assistance; particularly, food, water and hygiene kits.
Grand Anse Department - Heavy rains since yesterday 01 September - The valley of Grand Anse is flooded. Leon is in a critical situation. - Gebeau and Carrefour Bac are flooded. 408 people are in a shelter. Relief supplies are needed in shelters.
Road and infrastructures conditions (information received from Military, UNPOL, Security)
Department Road/Bridge Situation Nippes Bridge River Ravin Deteriorated Desmarais Ouest Bridge Grand Goave Accessible with precaution Ouest Road Ganthier-Malpass Accessible with precaution
Artibonite Bridge access to Gonaives Accessible with precaution South Artibonite Streets inside Gonaives Inaccessible. Flooded Artibonite-Nord Ouest Road to Gonaives to Port de Inaccessible. Flooded Paix Nord Road from Cap Haitian to Close Gonaives (Marmelade) Center Bridge South Hinche Inaccessible. Flooded