Haiti: Hurricane Matthew - Situation Report No. 4 (as of 8 October 2016)

Highlights

• An estimated 750,000 people need humanitarian assistance.

• An estimated 1.3 million people have been affected by Hurricane Matthew.

• A total of 336 people were killed by the hurricane in seven departments from south-east to north-west, according to data available at noon on 8 October.

• USA has announced the arrival of the first of five flights of relief materials for victims in Haiti. They will deliver more than 480 metric tons of supplies to help an estimated 100,000 people.

Situation Overview

The number of fatalities has increased in Haiti: 336 deaths were confirmed at the time of writing (Directorate for Civil Protection). A total of 211 people are injured and four remain unaccounted for. The number of evacuees is 61,537 in 191 temporary shelters. More than 750,000 people need immediate assistance. An estimated 1.3 million people have been affected.

The U.S. Ambassador in Haiti announced the arrival of the first US airlift flight of relief materials for the victims in Haiti. The flight was welcomed at Port-au-Prince International Airport by the Provisional President Privert with the US Ambassador. It is one of five 747 cargo planes scheduled to deliver more than 480 metric tons of supplies to help an estimated 100,000 people.

A Disaster Assistance Response team from USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, which numbers nearly 50 relief experts, was deployed at the beginning of the emergency. Haiti is also benefiting from the unique capabilities of the US Department of Defense to help support efforts. A Joint Task Force has been established to support the Disaster Assistance Response team to deliver critical supplies and humanitarian personnel to areas cut off by the storm. The Joint Task Force is providing nine helicopters and military personnel. The US Coast Guard is providing sea and air assets to support relief efforts.

France announced its decision to respond immediately to the Haiti Government’s appeal for humanitarian assistance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development’s Crisis and Support Center is coordinating French humanitarian assistance and offering Haitian authorities its expertise in aerial reconnaissance and needs assessment. Within the framework of the partnership between the ministry and the Airbus Helicopters Foundation, two helicopters will conduct reconnaissance missions to assess the damage. Two French emergency services officers are involved in the European needs-assessment mission. Additionally, a plane will be chartered to transport 60 military civil security and 32 tons of equipment, including two purification water plant, medical kits and humanitarian first-aid equipment.

The Government of Colombia has offered Haiti the possibility of mobilizing an ARC 7 ship with a helicopter, pilots and safety equipment for humanitarian emergency aid comprising 5,000 family tents, 1,000 family hygiene kits and 1,000 food kits.