In this special issue

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1 \\ Rotary International President Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee District 7020 Governor, Rupert W. Ross, Jr. Theme Make Dreams Real District Newsletter Report on Haiti, 2008 In this special issue Information on Haiti and the Hurricanes Gustav and Hanna

2 For your information HAITI - Part of Rotary District 7020 For those who know little or nothing about Haiti: There are 16 Rotary clubs in Haiti following the chartering of Petite Riviere in April, 2008 The two official languages in Haiti are French and Creole. English is not one of them. The 16 Rotary Clubs in Haiti Club Aquin Cap-Haitien Les Cayes Delmas/Aeroport Hinche Centre Jacmel Jeremie Mirebalais Petion Ville Petite Riviere Pignon Port-au-Prince Saint Marc Saint Michel de L Attalaye Verrettes L Artibonite Meetings Friday, 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Marabout Restaurant Rue Duvivier Hall 55 Cayes, SUD HT8110 Thursday, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Sunday, 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, 4:15 p.m. Monday, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Monday, 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Rotary District 7020 Special Issue, Haiti September 2008 Page 2

3 Haiti, from the World Factbook online. The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by COLUMBUS in were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola. In 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island, which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean, but only through the heavy importation of African slaves and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint L'OUVERTURE. After a prolonged struggle, Haiti became the first black republic to declare its independence in Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Haiti has been plagued by political violence for most of its history. After an armed rebellion led to the forced resignation and exile of President Jean- Bertrand ARISTIDE in February 2004, an interim government took office to organize new elections under the auspices of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Continued violence and technical delays prompted repeated postponements, but Haiti finally did inaugurate a democratically elected president and parliament in May of Haiti makes up the western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the Dominican Republic Haiti lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and is subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes; periodic droughts Haiti suffers extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forested land is being cleared for agriculture and used as fuel); soil erosion; inadequate supplies of potable water Haiti shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western one-third is Haiti, eastern twothirds is the Dominican Republic) The median age in Haiti is 18.5 years with an infant mortality rate of deaths per 1,000 live births. Life expectancy at birth in Haiti is 57.5 years. The Capital of Haiti is Port-au-Prince. From the UNDP United National Development Program UNDP projects help mitigate hurricane damage in Haiti Garbage collection in Port-au-Prince has helped to prevent drainage canals from being blocked (Photo: Christina Lonigro/UNDP) situation. 28 August - UNDP projects aimed at reducing flooding in Port-au- Prince have contributed to limiting the damage caused by Hurricane Gustav. Until recently, huge piles of trash would block the drainage canals resulting in severe flooding in these neighborhoods. While canals are still blocked, extensive cleaning by the Government and the international community has helped reduce the gravity of the Rotary District 7020 Special Issue, Haiti September 2008 Page 3

4 From Jared Dollar, District 6970 Disaster Committee Chair, the following are excerpts from a situation report concerning Haiti - Dated 02 September 2008 Few days after being struck by hurricane Gustav, Haiti was unexpectedly hit by tropical storm Hanna. No previous warning had been issued by the national meteorological institute, as the expected path of Hanna was passing north of Haiti. However, possibly due to the dynamics with other tropical storms in the regions (Gustav in the North, Ike and Josephine in the South East), Hanna abruptly changed its course and turned 90 Degree, heading south directly towards the northern coast of Haiti. Heavy rains affected the North, North West, in particular the Artibonite department. Its capital, Gonaives was hit by floods believed to be worse than during Tropical Storm Jeanne in In some parts of the city, water reached over 3 meters. Heavy rains and wind gusts were also effective during the entire night of 1 September and the day of 2 September on the departments of South, South East, Grand Anse, West and Nippes, that were already hit by hurricane Gustav. At least 500 people are believed to be still on the roofs in Bienac, while most of the rest fled to the hills and mountains to protect themselves from the rising level of water. It was on the evening of 01 September when the country was faced with winds and rains. By 4 am on September 2, hurricane Hanna made landfall in the northern part of the country mostly affecting the department of Artibonite; specifically the region of Gonaives. Subsequently, the Haiti Permanent Secretariat for Disaster Risk Management (SPGRD, French acronym) issued a red warning on the risk of extremely strong winds and rains and mentioned the need for preventive measures. Hanna s sustained winds have slipped to 70 mph (110 km/h). Compounded with the impact of Gustav, Initial estimates of the DPC indicate that some 153,000 families (650,000 people) might be affected across the country. It is also expected that some 5 to 6 thousand people need to be immediately evacuated from affected zones. The North West and Centre were also affected but to a much more limited extent. Heavy rain continues in many parts of the country. Continuous raining and strong winds impeded the access by air to the most affected regions and the provision of much needed assistance. Attempts to reach affected areas by land and sea are under way but significantly hampered by the weather. In the absence of more precise information, a very initial rough estimate of people affected by Hanna could be of around 300,000 and may well go beyond that figure. Due to the severity of the situation, a CERF request was issued while a Flash Appeal, in agreement with the government, is being prepared. An UNDAC team has been requested. Rotary District 7020 Special Issue, Haiti September 2008 Page 4

5 Here are photos from Haiti that will give you direct views of what our Haitian neighbours are suffering. Aerial views of the flooding - Rotary District 7020 Special Issue, Haiti September 2008 Page 5

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9 Further from Jared Dollar, District 6970 Disaster Committee Chair This situation is testing the response capacity of the authorities, which are still dealing with the effects of hurricane Gustav. According to the national Civilian Protection Unit (DPC), hurricane Gustav claimed the lives of 79 persons, 7 persons remain missing and Rotary District 7020 Special Issue, Haiti September 2008 Page 9

10 35 are injured. Some 3,307 houses were destroyed Some 11,827 houses were damaged. The West, Nippes, South and South West departments were the most affected, in particular around Jacmel and Les Cayes where important areas are still under water. In Gonaives (Department of Artibonite) heavy rains persisted and the water level is reported to have increased. Movements in the city are still not possible for rescue operations. Four rivers are reported to have high water levels. According to the Military patrol, the road from Cap Haitian to Gonaives was blocked at the level of Energy. Trees and rocks are obstructing passage. The road from Saint Marc to Gonaives is inaccessible. Effects on population. Initial estimates by the DPC indicate that Over 30,000 people might be affected Gonaives hospital flooded. Patients moved to third floor. Approximately 70 Cuban doctors, currently based there to provide medical assistance to local population, are also reportedly at risk and might need to be evacuated. Attempts to deliver humanitarian aid by boat and helicopter were impeded by bad weather. In particular, a Uruguayan boat could not upload relief items in Port-au-Prince due to bad weather conditions. Another convoy that joined the military including (CA, Security and PIO) are based in Saint Marc and will resume activities tomorrow. The Ministry of Interior is visiting Gonaives. Temporary shelters have been opened by authorities. MSF Belgium is ready to intervene in Gonaives. North West Department. All northern departments are slightly affected by hurricane Hanna. Floods have been reported in Port de Paix. In the city of Chansolme, some people got displaced when their homes were either lost to floods or landslides. Nippes Department. At 10:00 a.m., MINUSTAH reported that the water level in Miragoane bridge had drastically increased over the past 12 hours and hindered access to Miragoane from Port au Prince. Les Cayes Department. The hospital of Les Cayes was reported to be flooded. The river Ravine (leading to Port Salut) has risen. The bridge is considered to be unsafe for use. The Lilet River (leading to Port au Prince) is submerged by water. The South West coastal town is reported in critical situation. A landslide was reported on the road between Jeremie and Les Cayes. Passage is blocked. South East Department. Heavy rains which led to the flooding of river Orangers were reported in Jacmel. The zones most at risk are: Siloé, Portail la Gosseline, Bas des Orangers and St Anne which were previously flooded by hurricane Gustav. Rotary District 7020 Special Issue, Haiti September 2008 Page 10

11 If populations are required to stay longer in temporary shelters, they will require more assistance; particularly, food, water and hygiene kits. Grand Anse Department. Grand Anse has experience heavy rains since yesterday 01 September. The valley of Grand Anse is flooded. Leon is in a critical situation. Gebeau and Carrefour Bac are flooded. 408 people are in a shelter. Relief supplies are needed in shelters. Information about how you can help is listed below: For snail mail For Wire Transfer For Bank Drafts By snail mail, send to Rotary International for District 7020 INSTRUCTIONS FOR WIRE TRANSFER US Dollars to WACHOVIA BANK, New York SWIFT Code: PNBPUS3NNYC ABA Code: No For Credit to Account with Institution (Field 57) First Caribbean International Bank (Bahamas) Limited SWIFT Code: FCIBBSNS Account No For Final Payment to Account of Beneficiary (Field 59) (Name of Beneficiary) Rotary International, District 7020 Account No. of Beneficiary Rotary District 7020 Special Issue, Haiti September 2008 Page 11

12 MAILING INSTRUCTIONS FOR BANK DRAFTS (Sorry no credit or debit cards) Mailed by DHL or FedEx to: Company: Rotary International, District 7020 Address: c/o Walter J. Christen P.O. Box N9774 c/o Central Bank of the Bahamas Nassau, N.P., Bahamas Market and Trinity Streets Nassau, N.P., Bahamas Tel: 1 (242) Rotary District 7020 Special Issue, Haiti September 2008 Page 12