Before IKE

Press Release from the US Embassy in Haiti
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are providing $7.1 million to Haiti as part of its initial response to the effects
of Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are providing $7.1 million to Haiti – of which $2.1 million is in new funding and the remaining $5 million are funds shifted from existing, less critical programs - as part of its initial response to the effects of Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna.

In addition, food from the $45 million emergency food program, announced before the storms hit, is being re-directed to also address the needs of the hurricane-affected Haitian population. These funds will continue to provide support for the purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies for displaced populations in Haiti and for the support of early recovery activities.

The USS Kearsarge, or the United States Navy, has departed Colombia en route to Haiti to support disaster relief efforts. The expected arrival of the Kearsarge, which could be affected by Hurricane Ike, is September 7.
Kearsarge's capabilities include rapid movement of personnel and cargo by helicopter and landing craft, making it an ideal platform to support humanitarian relief mission on short notice.
The crew of Kearsarge includes a team of medical personnel that can provide first-aid and other health care related services to communities impacted by conditions associated with the flooding.
Medical facilities aboard Kearsarge include four operating rooms, 13 intensive-care unit beds, 40
medical ward beds, a laboratory, x-ray equipment and a blood bank.

One September 5 and 6, the US Coast Guard has delivered by sea and air, water containers, hygiene kits, plastic sheeting for 2,000 families, in addition to food, to Gonaives.
Road conditions, as well as the forecasted weather, remain extremely difficult. USAID/Haiti staff remain in constant communication with the Government of Haiti regarding road conditions throughout the country and continued contingency planning for possible effects from Hurricane Ike.
U.S. officials continue close coordination with the Government of Haiti, WFP and others to determine logistics for the movement of relief supplies to areas in the North that are cut off from ground transport, as well as affected areas in the South.
The Embassy of the United States reiterates its deep commitment to help Haitians weather the storm and recover from this disaster, both with immediate humanitarian assistance and longer-term recovery.