US Agency for International Development
The Caribbean: Hurricanes Fact Sheet #4 (FY 2005)
13 October 2004


Note: This report updates the last fact sheet dated October 8, 2004.

NUMBERS AT A GLANCE     SOURCE
Haiti 300,000 people affected OCHA1 - October 1
Grenada     100,000 people affected OCHA - October 1
Bahamas     8,000 people affected   IFRC2 - October 4
Jamaica     19,000 people evacuated to shelters ODPEM3 - September 23
Dominican Republic      38,000 people displaced OCHA - September 21
Cuba  8,000 people displaced  IFRC - September 29

Total USAID/OFDA Humanitarian Assistance to the Caribbean: $8,288,390
Total U.S. Government (USG) Humanitarian Assistance to the Caribbean:
$21,819,300


CURRENT SITUATION

USAID/OFDA Staff in the Caribbean

A USAID/OFDA regional advisor remains in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and
continues coordinating with international and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs). USAID/OFDA consultants are also assisting with
follow-up hurricane response activities in Grenada, the Bahamas, and
Jamaica.

Haiti

Due to the security situation, several NGOs have reported suspending
activities in Gonaives. Local authorities have identified Decachos,
Raboteau, Jubilee, and Park Vincent as the most problematic areas in
Gonaives.

On October 11, the U.N. Development Program (UNDP) reported that relief
agencies delayed sending supplies to Gonaives on October 9 and October 10
due to poor road conditions.

As of October 10, CARE has distributed a total of 1,394 metric tons (MT)
of food assistance to 160,000 beneficiaries in Gonaives.

On October 6, the Haitian Secretary of State for the Environment reported
that the final death toll from the flooding caused by Tropical Storm
Jeanne to be 3,006, including 2,826 from Gonaives. According to OCHA,
flooding in the Artibonite and North-West departments has affected an
estimated 300,000 people.

Between September 24 and October 12, Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF)
operated an emergency telecommunications mission that provided telephone
access to 2,000 families affected by flooding from Tropical Storm Jeanne
in Gonaives.

Grenada

According to local media sources on October 11, the Grenadian Health
Minister estimated the total cost of rebuilding hospitals, community
clinics, and other medical facilities damaged by Hurricane Ivan to be
approximately $4 million.

Bahamas

On October 12, the USAID/OFDA consultant in the Bahamas reported that all
the plastic sheeting, water bladders, water containers, blankets, and
hygiene kits provided to Grand Bahama Island after Hurricane Frances was
distributed to affected families and that the items are in use by
residents.

Jamaica

According to local media sources on October 11, the Jamaican Minister of
Information reported that electricity has been restored to 90 percent of
the island and noted the remaining 10 percent will likely be restored by
October 28.


USG ASSISTANCE

Haiti

On September 21, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti James B. Foley issued a disaster
declaration due to the magnitude of the effects of Tropical Storm Jeanne
in the Artibonite and North-West departments of Haiti.

To date, USAID/OFDA has contributed a total of more than $4.9 million to
fund emergency activities and relief supplies in Haiti. USAID/OFDA
provided an initial $50,000 through USAID/Haiti to CARE for the
distribution of relief items. USAID/OFDA has also funded more than $3.9
million for humanitarian response activities to be implemented by Air Serv
International, CARE, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), IFRC, the Pan
American Health Organization (PAHO), WFP, and World Vision in the areas of
logistics and air support, health, shelter, water and sanitation, and
cash-for-work clean-up activities. All of Gonaives' 200,000 residents will
benefit indirectly from the cash-for work projects, as cleaning up the
city will reduce the risk of disease and increase mobility. In addition,
on October 13, USAID/OFDA provided approximately $640,000 to World Concern
to improve the food security of 7,700 families in North-West Department by
helping to increase food production.

During the response to the flooding, USAID/OFDA airlifted 300 rolls of
plastic sheeting, 5,005 water containers, and 3,660 hygiene kits to
Port-au-Prince. The plastic sheeting will provide shelter for an estimated
9,000 residents, the water jugs will serve the needs of more than 12,500
people, and the hygiene kits will supply more than 18,000 people.

USAID/OFDA also airlifted 10 emergency medical kits and 2 trauma kits,
which arrived in Haiti on October 6. The central Haitian pharmacy,
PROMESS, and several NGOs have received the kits in Gonaives and the
Artibonite Region. Each medical kit will serve the needs of 10,000
beneficiaries for 3 months, or a total of 100,000 people. The value of all
the relief commodities including transport is more than $250,000.

In order to meet emergency food needs, USAID's Office of Food for Peace
(USAID/FFP) provided 4,196 MT of P.L. 480 Title II emergency food
assistance, valued at approximately $3.3 million, to WFP. USAID's
cooperating partners, including CARE, are currently distributing food
commodities in Haiti.

USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (USAID/OTI) in Haiti has expanded
programs in Gonaives in response to Tropical Storm Jeanne and provided
$56,750 through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the
Ministry of Public Works, Transportation, and Communication to increase
the amount of potable available to residents by initiating the
rehabilitation of the city's water system and making minor improvements to
roads used by water supply trucks.

USAID's Bureau for Latin American and the Caribbean (USAID/LAC) has also
contributed approximately $2.6 million in hurricane assistance for
reconstruction and rehabilitation of homes, roads, irrigation equipment,
and water and sanitation systems.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provided $235,000
to purchase medical supplies and pharmaceuticals for Gonaives Hospital, as
well as an additional $66,637 through the local Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) Haiti office for hospital clean up
activities.

Grenada

On September 8, U.S. Charge d'Affaires Mary Ellen Gilroy issued a disaster
declaration for Grenada due to the damage caused by Hurricane Ivan. In
response, USAID/OFDA has provided a total of more than $2.0 million in
emergency assistance to hurricane-affected areas of Grenada.

USAID/OFDA provided $100,000 to the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown to support
the local purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies,
in-country air transport, and aerial assessments of affected areas.

USAID/OFDA also provided $150,000 to PAHO to support services and damaged
infrastructure, as well as approximately $35,000 to fund expert
assessments of the Grenada's electrical system. In response to the U.N.
Flash Appeal, USAID/OFDA provided $400,000 to the U.N. Development Program
(UNDP) to promote livelihoods restoration and $600,000 to the U.N. Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for short-term food security projects.

In addition, USAID/OFDA funded 6 flights of emergency relief supplies to
Grenada, carrying 1,060 rolls of plastic sheeting, 4 water bladders, 8,334
hygiene kits, 10,160 water containers, 1 high-capacity water purification
unit, and 12 chainsaws for debris removal, as well as 20 generators to be
used by the Grenada Electricity Company, Ltd. and PAHO in areas of the
island without electricity. The value of these items plus transportation
is nearly $750,000.

USAID/LAC has also contributed approximately $3.7 million in hurricane
reconstruction assistance to Grenada directed towards health clinic
rehabilitation, assistance to small businesses, and self-help housing.

Bahamas

On September 5, U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas John D. Rood declared a
disaster due to the effects of Hurricane Frances. Under this declaration,
USAID/OFDA also provided assistance to areas impacted by Hurricane Jeanne.
In response to Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Jeanne, USAID/OFDA provided
a total of nearly $445,000 in emergency assistance to the Bahamas. This
amount includes $100,000 provided to the U.S. Embassy in Nassau to support
local air transport and distribution of emergency relief supplies, as well
as $50,000 to the Bahamas Red Cross for emergency relief activities on the
islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama.

In addition, USAID/OFDA dispatched 6 airlifts of emergency relief supplies
to the Bahamas, carrying 4,000 blankets, 4,464 hygiene kits, 4,800 water
containers, 400 rolls of plastic sheeting, 12 water bladders, and 1
high-capacity water purification unit. The value of the airlifted items
plus transport totals nearly $300,000.

Jamaica

On September 12, U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica Sue M. Cobb issued a disaster
declaration due to the damage caused by Hurricane Ivan. In response,
USAID/OFDA provided more than $705,000 in emergency assistance to
hurricane-affected areas. This total includes $25,000 provided to the
Jamaica Red Cross for shelter operations and $25,000 to the Salvation Army
for relief activities, as well as nearly $248,000 to World Vision for the
purchase and transportation of relief commodities, including medical
supplies, hygiene kits, and plastic sheeting. USAID/OFDA also provided
$25,000 to USAID/Jamaica for the local procurement of water tanks and
$150,000 to PAHO to support health services and infrastructure repairs. In
addition, USAID/OFDA funded three flights of emergency relief supplies to
Jamaica, valued at nearly $233,000 including transport. The transferred
items included 8 Zodiac boats with motors, 80 life vests, 2,024 hygiene
kits, 2,000 water containers, and 500 rolls of plastic sheeting. USAID/LAC
has also contributed approximately $3.5 million in hurricane
reconstruction assistance that will be used to rehabilitate homes, roads,
schools, and water and sanitation systems.

Dominican Republic

On September 17, U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Hans H. Hertell
declared a disaster due to the damage caused by Hurricane Jeanne. In
response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 to World Vision to purchase and
distribute emergency relief supplies, including hygiene kits, mosquito
nets, kitchen sets, blankets, bedding, water containers, and plastic
sheeting.

Cuba

On August 17, 2004, the U.S. Interests Section in Havana issued a disaster
declaration due to the impact of Hurricane Charley, particularly on the
Isla de la Juventud and the province of Pinar del Rio. In response,
USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/LAC for the purchase and
distribution of 12,000 pounds of food and medicines to populations
directly affected by Hurricane Charley.


USG HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO HAITI

Implementing Partner    Activity    Location    Amount

USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE (1)

Air Serv International  Humanitarian air operations   Countrywide $100,000
CARE  Emergency relief supplies and distribution      Gonaives    $50,000
CARE  Emergency relief supplies and water and sanitation    Gonaives
$752,871
CARE  Cash-for-work activities      Gonaives    $819,984
CRS   Cash-for work activities, sanitation      Gonaives    $331,111
IFRC  Shelter, water and sanitation Gonaives    $990,000
PAHO  Health      Gonaives    $500,000
WFP (2)  Food transport and distribution     Gonaives    $100,000
World Concern     Food security     North-West Department   $640,118
World Vision      Cash-for-work activities, seeds and tools, emergency
relief supplies   Gonaives    $442,554
Multiple    Emergency relief supplies     Gonaives    $185,137
Multiple    Airlift of emergency relief supplies      Gonaives    $70,940

TOTAL USAID/OFDA  $4,982,715


USAID/FFP ASSISTANCE

WFP3  P.L. 480 Title II emergency food assistance - 4,196 MT      Gonaives
$3,365,000

TOTAL USAID/FFP   $3,365,000


USAID/OTI ASSISTANCE

IOM   Infrastructure repairs, water and sanitation    Gonaives    $56,750

TOTAL USAID/OTI   $56,750


USAID/LAC ASSISTANCE

Multiple    Reconstruction and rehabilitation   Gonaives    $2,639,081

TOTAL USAID/LAC   $2,639,081


DHHS/CDC ASSISTANCE

Multiple    Medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, hospital clean up  Gonaives
$301,673

TOTAL DHHS/CDC    $301,673

TOTAL USG HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO HAITI      11,345,219


Notes:

1 USAID/OFDA funding represents committed and/or obligated amount as of
   October 13, 2004.
2 At the request of USAID/OFDA, $100,000 of previously obligated funding to
   WFP for Haiti was redirected to assist current emergency response
   interventions.
3 USAID/FFP redirected 746 MT of P.L. 480 Title II food assistance valued
   at $385,359 from existing development programs in Haiti for use during
   the current emergency in Gonaives.


USAID HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO GRENADA

Implementing Partner    Activity    Location    Amount

USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE (1)

Consultants Electrical assessments  Countrywide $35,403
FAO   Food security     Countrywide $600,000
PAHO  Health services and infrastructure  Countrywide $150,000
UNDP  Livelihoods restoration Countrywide $400,000
U.S. Embassy      Air transport, distribution of emergency relief supplies,
and aerial assessments  Countrywide $100,000
Multiple    Emergency relief supplies and generators  Countrywide $395,459
Multiple    Airlift of emergency relief supplies and generators
Countrywide $354,334
Administrative    Countrywide $20,000

TOTAL USAID/OFDA  $2,055,196


USAID/LAC ASSISTANCE

Multiple    Reconstruction and Rehabilitation   Countrywide $3,664,0002
TOTAL USAID/LAC   $3,664,000

TOTAL USAID HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO GRENADA  $5,719,196


Notes:

1 USAID/OFDA funding represents committed and/or obligated amount as of
   October 13, 2004.
2 Of this amount, $1,285,000 are Caribbean Regional Program funds that have
   been redirected to Grenada.



USAID/OFDA HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO THE BAHAMAS

Implementing Partner    Activity    Location    Amount

USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE (1)

Bahamas Red Cross Emergency relief activities   Abaco, Grand Bahama
$50,000
U.S. Embassy      Air transport, distribution of emergency relief supplies
Countrywide $100,000
Multiple    Emergency relief supplies     Countrywide $212,084
Multiple    Airlift of emergency relief supplies      Countrywide $82,683

TOTAL USAID/OFDA  $444,767

Note:

1 USAID/OFDA funding represents committed and/or obligated amount as of
   October 13, 2004.



USAID HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO JAMAICA

Implementing Partner    Activity    Location    Amount

USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE (1)

Jamaica Red Cross Shelter materials, operational costs      Countrywide
$25,000
PAHO  Health      Countrywide $150,000
Salvation Army    Food assistance   Countrywide $25,000
USAID/Jamaica     Local purchase of water tanks Countrywide $25,000
World Vision      Purchase and air transport of emergency relief supplies
Countrywide $247,998
Multiple    Emergency relief supplies     Countrywide $201,314
Multiple    Airlift of emergency relief supplies      Countrywide $31,400

TOTAL USAID/OFDA  $705,712


USAID/LAC ASSISTANCE

Multiple    Reconstruction and Rehabilitation   Countrywide $3,504,406

TOTAL USAID/LAC   $3,504,406

TOTAL USAID HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO JAMAICA  $4,210,118

Note:
1 USAID/OFDA funding represents committed and/or obligated amount as of
   October 13, 2004.



USAID/OFDA HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Implementing Partner    Activity    Location    Amount

USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (1)

World Vision      Emergency relief supplies and distribution
Countrywide $50,000

TOTAL USAID/OFDA  $50,000

Note:
1 USAID/OFDA funding represents committed and/or obligated amount as of
   October 13, 2004.



USAID/OFDA HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO CUBA

Implementing Partner    Activity    Location    Amount

USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE TO CUBA (1)

USAID/LAC   Purchase and distribution of emergency food and medicines
Pinar del Rio     $50,000

TOTAL USAID/OFDA HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO CUBA      $50,000


Note:
1 USAID/OFDA funding represents committed and/or obligated amount as of
   October 13, 2004.

Total USAID/OFDA Humanitarian Assistance to the Caribbean: $8,288,390
Total USG Humanitarian Assistance to the Caribbean: $21,819,300


PUBLIC DONATION INFORMATION

The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making cash
contributions to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief
operations. A list of humanitarian organizations that are accepting cash
donations for their response to Hurricane Ivan can be found in the "How Can
I Help" section of http://www.usaid.gov - Keyword: Ivan, or by calling the
Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) at 703-276-1914.
USAID encourages cash donations because they: allow aid professionals to
procure the exact items needed (often in the affected region); reduce the
burden on scarce resources (such as transportation routes, staff time,
warehouse space, etc); can be transferred very quickly and without
transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region;
ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance.
More information on making donations and volunteering can be found at: o
USAID: http://www.usaid.gov - Keyword: Donations o The Center for
International Disaster Information: http://www.cidi.org or (703) 276-1914 o
InterAction: http://www.interaction.org - "Guide to Appropriate Giving"
Information on relief activities of the humanitarian community can be found
at http://www.reliefweb.org.

Footnotes:
1 U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
2 International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
  (IFRC)
3 Jamaican Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM)

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Appropriate Donations for International Disaster/Humanitarian Needs
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Center for International                  web: www.cidi.org
    Disaster Information             listserv: www.cidi.org/listsub.htm
                                   guidelines: www.cidi.org/donate.htm
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