Relief efforts in earthquake-affected areas of Haiti continue with support from USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) and other donors. Rubble removal programs, such as the one supported by USAID/OFDA, have made significant progress in clearing debris. As of July 20, CHF International reported clearing over 158,000 cubic meters of rubble in Port-au-Prince, an increase of nearly 75,000 cubic meters since July 2. This rubble is being recycled into usable material for recovery efforts.
The repair of houses deemed safe for inhabitation following repairs, known as yellow houses, is also ongoing. USAID/OFDA has provided a second tranche of funds totaling $2 million to the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) to continue repairing yellow houses. To date, PADF has completed repairs to 639 yellow houses out of its goal of 1,800, with an additional 177 repairs underway.
Cholera response efforts are also a priority. USAID/OFDA’s emergency cholera response plan focuses on preventing cholera cases, reducing the number of cases requiring hospitalization, and reducing the case fatality rate. The plan includes provision of chlorine to increase availability of safe drinking water, expansion of national hygiene education outreach, provision of sachets of oral rehydration salts and medical supplies, and an increase in the number of cholera treatment facilities, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
Humanitarian funding for the earthquake and cholera response has been significant. In FY 2010, the USG provided over $1.1 billion to meet humanitarian needs in Haiti, including over $716 million from USAID. In FY 2011, USAID/OFDA provided $37.6 million for the earthquake response and $39.9 million for the cholera response. Total USAID/OFDA assistance to Haiti for the earthquake and cholera response totals $405.2 million.
Shelter and settlement programs are also ongoing. USAID/OFDA has provided over $108 million to support earthquake-related shelter and settlement programs in Haiti in FY 10 and 11. Transitional shelter and yellow house repair programming is being implemented in Port-au-Prince, with USAID/OFDA staff meeting with World Concern Development Organization (WCDO) to discuss ongoing efforts.
Health response efforts are also critical. As of July 18, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported 229 functioning cholera treatment facilities throughout Haiti’s 10 departments. USAID/OFDA has provided nearly $40 million for cholera response activities in Haiti, including the establishment and operation of more than 30 cholera treatment facilities and nearly 130 oral rehydration points.
Hurricane season preparation is also a priority. The GoH Department of Civil Protection (DPC) conducted hurricane simulation exercises in West and Southeast departments on July 20 and 21. USAID/OFDA staff observed the exercises and met with IOM and the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) to discuss hurricane season preparedness.