One day after a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, information is still difficult to obtain. The PAHO/WHO office in Haiti has been unable to communicate with national health authorities and UN colleagues. For the time being, information is being coordinated through the PAHO/WHO Emergency Operations Center in Washington. On the ground, the past 24 hours have been dedicated to search and rescue and immediate lifesaving activities.
CUMULATIVE IMPACT
- A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday afternoon, January 12, 2010, close to the nation's capital of Port-au-Prince. The quake was felt in the Dominican Republic and as far away as Jamaica.
- Reports indicate a significant loss of life; there are no official numbers at this time but the Haitian President has estimated 100,000 people dead or missing.
- Impact on health facilities:
o Several hospitals and health centers have collapsed in the city
? The UN clinic at the Christopher Hotel collapsed
? Martissant emergency room/centre (slum in Port au Prince, MSF managed) is damaged and unstable. All patients evacuated and relocated to tents in the ground. MSF staff have been dealing with a flow of casualties from the town.
? Solidarité maternity hospital, MSF-managed, severely damaged
? Trinité trauma centre (60 beds) MSF-managed, severely damaged
? HUEH ( University Hospital) damaged
? New hospital on Delmas damaged
? Eliazard Germain hospital (Petionville) damaged
? Petits freres et soeurs (Port au Prince) damaged
o Two hospitals were also damaged in the Dominican Republic, in Barahona and Santiago.
o The Argentine military hospital that had been serving MINUSTAH personnel is being augmented by two surgical teams and supplies provided by the Government of Argentina (White Helmets).
- The airport is currently open only for daytime operations. However there is no power to service neither the control tower nor nighttime operations. A temporary health facility has been established there to provide care.
- Both seaports have been damaged.