Haitian ambassador says communications and access to remote area at top of priorities

Record ID: 83060

  • Title: Haitian ambassador says communications and access to remote area at top of priorities
  • Date: 8th October 2016
  • Summary: WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. (OCTOBER 7, 2016) (REUTERS) HAITIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE U.S. PAUL ALTIDOR IN HIS OFFICE ALTIDOR TYPING (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMBASSADOR PAUL ALTIDOR, SAYING: "In addition to bridges, in addition to some of the roads that have to be cleared up because a lot of trees fell on the main roads, communication lines were down. That is one of the issues that the government, in partnership with telecom companies, they are working diligently to ensure that those communities that are disconnected through communication lines, that something is done as quickly as possible so folks can actually call family members and friends to ensure that they are okay." JEREMIE, HAITI (OCTOBER 06, 2016) (REUTERS) AERIAL OF NEIGHBOURHOODS DESTROYED BY HURRICANE MATTHEW DAMAGED HOMES AND BUILDINGS SEEN FROM LANDING AEROPLANE WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. (OCTOBER 7, 2016) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMBASSADOR PAUL ALTIDOR, SAYING: "Many folks who were in danger areas, to the extent possible, we encouraged people to leave areas that we considered to be dangerous and in many cases, folks were actually moved by force so that we limit the number of casualties. As of this afternoon, there were 60-thousand-plus people in shelters. As far as the number of homes, a number of homes have been destroyed-- again, there's a count taking place as we speak, and damaged homes, I think that is where the most issues happened because many homes were not destroyed per se, but the roofs were thrown away due to the intensity of the wind at the time the hurricane was going through." JEREMIE, HAITI (OCTOBER 06, 2016) (REUTERS) MAN CLIMBING A LADDER TO REPAIR HIS HOUSE WITH NO ROOF PEOPLE WALKING DOWN MUDDY PATH PEOPLE WALKING INTO HOUSE MISSING ROOF MAN ON LADDER REPAIRING HOUSE MISSING ROOF WHILE WOMAN SWEEPS MUD FROM ENTRYWAY WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. (OCTOBER 7, 2016) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMBASSADOR PAUL ALTIDOR, SAYING: "Cholera is an issue that Haiti has been dealing with for the past few years so, in light of what just took place over the past few days, yes cholera and other health issues may be on the rise. Again, a number of measures were discussed and taken to ensure that the numbers remain low but, at this particular moment, we know that the government has deployed a number of healthcare workers, doctors, and also in partnership with healthcare NGOs on the ground already, not only to assess but to provide first help to those in need." JEREMIE, HAITI (OCTOBER 06, 2016) (REUTERS) A WOMAN HOLDING A GIRL ON A BENCH OUTSIDE A HOSPITAL VARIOUS OF PATIENTS IN HOSPITAL BEDS WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. (OCTOBER 7, 2016) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMBASSADOR PAUL ALTIDOR, SAYING: "The elections have actually been postponed until a new date is discussed and agreed upon by the government, by the political parties, but also, based on the urgency at hand, there is a consensus around the idea that relief efforts are more urgent right now than holding the election even though the necessity to hold election as quickly as possible is a critical piece in making sure that Haiti's democratic process moves forward." ALTIDOR AT DESK (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMBASSADOR PAUL ALTIDOR, SAYING: "It may be a number but, again, we are being cautious in ensuring that the body counts are happening." JEREMIE, HAITI (OCTOBER 06, 2016) (REUTERS) WORKERS TAKING A DEAD BODY OUT ON A STRETCHER DEAD BODIES, COVERED IN SHEETS, IN A HOLE IN THE GROUND WORKERS POUR CHEMICALS ON THE BODIES MAN FILLING IN GRAVE WITH DIRT WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. (OCTOBER 7, 2016) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMBASSADOR PAUL ALTIDOR, SAYING: "We are encouraging people, if they are making resources available to Haiti, to the extent possible, we strongly suggest that they make financial support to local organizations, to local institutions, folks who are closer to the communities, to the front lines, so at least those much-needed resources can find the people of Haiti much sooner." JEREMIE, HAITI (OCTOBER 06, 2016) (REUTERS) A WOMAN AND A SMALL CHILD IN A STREET LITTERED WITH CLOTHING LAID TO DRY WOMEN COOKING IN LARGE POTS
  • Embargoed: 23rd October 2016 01:50
  • Keywords: Haitian ambassador Paul Altidor Hurricane Matthew death toll damage devastation
  • Location: WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. AND JEREMIE, HAITI
  • City: WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. AND JEREMIE, HAITI
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Disaster/Accidents,Wind/Hurricane/Typhoons/Tornadoes
  • Reuters ID: LVA001530DT1J
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text:Haitian ambassador to the U.S. Paul Altidor stressed the government's efforts to restore the Caribbean nation's infrastructure and to provide relief efforts after Hurricane Matthew slammed the country and killed hundreds.
    Matthew smashed through Haiti's western peninsula on Tuesday with 145 mile-per-hour (233 km-per-hour) winds and torrential rain, which cut roads, power lines and cellphone networks into remote areas, some of which were only now being contacted.
    Altidor said that clearing roads and recovering communications were a top priority.
    "In addition to bridges, in addition to some of the roads that have to be cleared up because a lot of trees fell on the main roads, communication lines were down. That is one of the issues that the government, in partnership with telecom companies, they are working diligently to ensure that those communities that are disconnected through communication lines, that something is done as quickly as possible so folks can actually call family members and friends to ensure that they are okay," he said.
    Some 61,500 people were in shelters, officials said, after the storm pushed the sea into fragile coastal villages.
    "Many folks who were in danger areas, to the extent possible, we encouraged people to leave areas that we considered to be dangerous and in many cases, folks were actually moved by force so that we limit the number of casualties. As of this afternoon, there were 60-thousand-plus people in shelters. As far as the number of homes, a number of homes have been destroyed-- again, there's a count taking place as we speak, and damaged homes, I think that is where the most issues happened because many homes were not destroyed per se, but the roofs were thrown away due to the intensity of the wind at the time the hurricane was going through," he added.
    At least seven people died of cholera, likely because of flood water mixing with sewage.
    "Cholera is an issue that Haiti has been dealing with for the past few years so, in light of what just took place over the past few days, yes cholera and other health issues may be on the rise. Again, a number of measures were discussed and taken to ensure that the numbers remain low but, at this particular moment, we know that the government has deployed a number of healthcare workers, doctors, and also in partnership with healthcare NGOs on the ground already, not only to assess but to provide first help to those in need," Altidor added.
    As relief efforts continue, Altidor added that there was political consensus to postpone long-awaited presidential elections, set for Sunday (October 9).
    "The elections have actually been postponed until a new date is discussed and agreed upon by the government, by the political parties, but also, based on the urgency at hand, there is a consensus around the idea that relief efforts are more urgent right now than holding the election even though the necessity to hold election as quickly as possible is a critical piece in making sure that Haiti's democratic process moves forward," he said.
    With fatalities mounting, various government agencies and committees differed on total deaths. A Reuters count of deaths reported by civil protection and local officials put the toll at 842.
    "It may be a number but, again, we are being cautious in ensuring that the body counts are happening," he said.
    The Haitian government cites 271, the number provided by the country's central civil protection agency, which takes longer to collate numbers because it needs to visually confirm victims itself.
    With roads flooded, aid has been slow to reach hard-hit areas in Haiti and food was scarce in some regions.
    The Mesa Verde, a U.S. Navy amphibious transport dock ship, was heading for Haiti to support relief efforts. The ship has heavy-lift helicopters, bulldozers, fresh water delivery vehicles and two surgical operating rooms.
    While Altidor said various countries had offered to help, he stressed that people who are moved to donate should focus on organizations that are already working in the country.
    "We are encouraging people, if they are making resources available to Haiti, to the extent possible, we strongly suggest that they make financial support to local organizations, to local institutions, folks who are closer to the communities, to the front lines, so at least those much-needed resources can find the people of Haiti much sooner," he added.
    Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, is still recovering from a devastating 2010 earthquake.
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