This bulletin is being issued for information only, and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The Haitian Red Cross Society (HRCS), with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has determined that external assistance is not required, and is therefore not seeking funding or other assistance from donors at this time.
A heavy storm with rains hit Port-au-Prince in the afternoon of 24 September 2010. The Civil Protection Department (Département de la Protection Civile - DPC) reports that the death toll for the moment is 5.
Early coordination response between Red Cross partners resulted in rapid alert of the Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) the same evening. Four Emergency Response Teams were deployed this morning, 25 September to seven camps in Port-au-Prince by the Haitian Red Cross Society and the IFRC. After the completion of needs assessments, relief items have been sent to the affected camps for distribution.
The Situation
On Friday, 24 September at around 15:00 hours a storm with strong winds and rain struck the capital city of Port-au-Prince metropolitan area for approximately 30 minutes. The storm was not predicted and as such no warnings were raised. According to the United States National Hurricane Center, the storm was not part of any tropical system, but was a standard early autumn storm caused by cold and dry conditions in the upper atmosphere.
Preliminary reports show that multiple IDP camps have been affected. On 24 September, the Shelter Cluster reported that 2,000 tents have been damaged or lost in Port-au-Prince. Currently, the Civil Protection Department estimates that 7,878 tents are longer usable in the entire affected area.
Red Cross and Red Crescent action
Since the onset of the rains, the Haitian Red Cross Society is in regular contact with the DPC in order to obtain up-to-date information. In addition, intensive planning was undertaken to carry out damage and needs assessments. The Haitian Red Cross Society and the IFRC worked together with the Shelter Cluster to ensure coordinated assessment and response with the humanitarian community.