Update on Haiti

Thankfully FFP's homes for the elderly and orphanages in Port au Prince are still standing and the people are safe. The UN has posted an update recently that, in summary, explains that the Government has declared the search and rescue phase over. There were 132 live rescues by international search and rescue teams. Humanitarian relief efforts continue to scale up in Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Leogane and other affected areas. The number of people leaving Port-au-Prince is increasing daily. More than 130,000 people have taken advantage of the Government’s offer of free transportation to cities in the north and south west. FAO estimates that the number of people leaving cities for rural areas could reach one million, putting pressure on already vulnerable communities. WHO reports that despite difficult conditions, there are no reported outbreaks of communicable diseases including cholera, measles and rubella. There are enough fuel supplies in country for the next two-three weeks until the port is likely rehabilitated to receive new supplies. The full report is an interesting update on the devastation but also the progress. A link to the UN site is here