Haiti Questions & Answers
Is aid getting through?
Yes, aid is now getting through by road, sea and air and organisations including ActionAid are working together in horrendous conditions to get aid to those affected by the quake.
What have been the challenges?
Efforts have clearly been hampered by:
- Lack of electricity and telephone communications, brought down by the earthquake.
- Limited capacity of the single runway airport, further reduced by earthquake damage to the airport infrastructure – the control tower collapsed.
- Earthquake damage to roads has further impacted on the speed with which aid can be brought in and distributed. The port has also been damaged and is not currently operational.
- Serious fuel shortages
- Government and UN infrastructure – which coordinated normal civil services - virtually paralysed by death of personnel, including senior staff, and destruction of key buildings.
- Aid agencies already operating in Haiti heavily affected by loss and injury of staff and volunteers, and destruction of premises
Despite these challenges, aid has been getting through and the flow along the aid pipeline is constantly growing. Improved coordination at the airport now means the maximum number of planes possible can land and unload their cargo. Road links are being established – importantly the road between Port au Prince and the Dominican Republic is still working and is now a major artery for the delivery of aid. Aid agencies are working together – sharing offices and resources and coordinating their work to make sure the response does not falter.
The very nature of the disaster means that logistics are complicated. But agencies such as ActionAid are experienced in these kinds of situations and are sending highly experienced and professional workers to the field. We also have trained professionals on the ground who have already been working in Haiti for a number of years. It is vitally important that we have the resources we need in order to manage these logistical difficulties, and that people continue to donate.
What is the situation with the logistics getting aid into the country?
Aid is starting to get through and the speed and volume of deliveries will increase as the process becomes better established. The airport at Port au Prince is operational but has limited capacity. The airport can deal with a limited number of aircraft at a time and is prioritising humanitarian aid flights. Flights coming in are being ‘stacked up’ in the air to wait for space to become available before they land. The sea port has been badly damaged but it is being cleared. Although some roads are blocked, transport from the Dominican Republic is getting through including aid convoys.
What is the security situation on the ground?
Reports of violence?
It’s important to remember any pictures we’re seeing of looting or violence will be a small minority of people, and in desperate times people can be pushed to take desperate actions. The period after a major disaster is very difficult, and survivors are in a desperate situation. ActionAid is encouraging that spirit of cooperation through our work.
How is the security situation affecting the relief efforts?
The security situation is being closely monitored. To date, security issues have not affected the arrival and distribution of aid.
