Hurricane Matthew death toll in Haiti is 270 & Rising

| Worst affected areas have not yet been assessed

Èzili Dantò Note.

It's another difficult Haiti moment.

Hurricane Matthew's death toll in Haiti is climbed to 270 people (as of 7pm tonight) and expected to rise. There is widespread catastrophic damage to roads, bridges, businesses and homes. The government estimates that at least 350,000 people need some kind of assistance following the disaster. Reports are that 28,000 homes have been damaged, according to Haitian officials. Mudslides and flooding are expected to trigger in the next few days. The worst areas hit have yet to be assessed. 

The death toll is expected to rise when these areas are reached. Phone and road communication are cut off for the South. The South is hit the worst, especially Les Cayes and Camp Coq at Ile A Vache. We haven't been able to communicate yet with our folks in the South as of this writing...

Hurricane Matthew Kills At Least 270 in Haiti: 'The Situation Is Catastrophic,' Says Haitian President

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Ezili HLLN/Zili Dlo LIST OF MEDICAL NEEDS

The following medicines and medical supplies are urgently needed for the earthquake victims in Haiti:

MEDICAL/HEALTH SUPPLIES:

- Donate to Zili Dlo to help provide Clean Water

Unless we've suffered flooding damage, which we don't know yet.

Under normal circumstances for a little more than a $150 donation each truck, Zili Dlo can lease a truck to deliver 3,000 gallons of clean filtered water. But we don't yet know the extent of thedamage..You may make a donation here for now. Also look at the info from the Haiti embassy below about funding local stakeholders like us, directly:

https://www.gofundme.com/2q3g92k

If you're a Haitian doctor or work in a hospital or are a nurse with access to medication, there will be a need for:

• Purification units
• Rehydration salts
• Anti-diarrhea
• Anti-decongestants
• Antipyretics (to lower fever)
• Malaria medicine
• Typhoid medicine
• Hygienic Kits
• Antibiotics
• Anti-allergy medication
• Anti-parasite medication
• Skin treatments: antibacterial & anti-fungus (Mycology) ointments, powders, lotions, creams
• Pain relievers: Tylenol, aspirin, ect
• Eye drops, saline solution
• vitamins
• Insect (Mosquito) Repellent
• Sterile and anti septic materials
• Disinfectants: alcohol, ointments, hydrogen peroxide
• Soaps, Detergents
• Chlorine bleach
• Bedding (blankets, sheets, sleeping bags, tarps, tents, plastic sheeting and cots & folding beds)
• Tarpaulin – of any size, preferably 10X10 or larger. It is used for both roofing and flooring, and

Medical clinics accessories and materials: Disposal syringes, needles,

bandages, sterile as well as regular gloves, betadine, gauze, tape, cotton balls, pads, topical wound care stuff (silvadene, bacitracin or Neosporin etc. ointments, xeroform, etc.)

• Skin-graft equipments (dermatome, blades, mesher)
• Sterilizing equipments, cauterizing equipments
• staples, staple removers, sutures (all sizes and types… Nylon (ethilon) 2-0 3-0 4-0 … Vicryl 2-0 3-0 4-0 0-vicrly… Chromic 3-0 4-0 2-0; Prolene 6-0 4-0 3-0 2-0 etc. instruments, (trays, plastic tray)
• Sterile as well as regular Gloves
• Antibiotics… cephalosporins, cillins, cleocin, etc.
• local anesthetics
• Fiberglass splint materials… casts and cast cutter tools.
• IV fluids, IV lines, tapes
• Chest tubes and drainage system (try red cross or US govt team)

FOODS DONATIONS REQUESTED: HLLN will let you know when we know where you can make your donations. Instead of sending food and dry goods, it's best to find a local Haiti cooperative like the one that used to be run by father Armand Franklin in the Artibonite area and support Haiti farming cooperatives like this to provide food to the areas most affected.

PERSONAL HYGIENE GOODS: Toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant, sanitary napkins, soap, disposable diapers, new hand towels and brand new underwear - adult (small & med.) and children sizes.

OTHER ITEMS: Tea Light candles & quality batteries (AA & D). Flashlights, lanterns with batteries. NO USED CLOTHING, please.

******

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MESSAGE FROM AMBASSADOR ALTIDOR

Dear Esteemed Friends of the Embassy of Haiti,

I hope this message finds you well during this difficult time for the Caribbean region.

As you are aware, a category 4 storm landed in Haiti on Tuesday, October 4, 2016. Hurricane Matthew has left substantial damage in many regions of the country, destroying homes, businesses and lives. While this storm has moved from the shores of the island, we remain in a process of assessment and recovery. I would like share the latest official updates with you as there are many different sources and platforms providing diverse information.

Haiti’s physical infrastructure suffered extensively. Communication towers, roads, homes and crops were severely damaged, most particularly in the southern part of the country. As of noon today, Haitian officials have confirmed one hundred eight (108) deaths and approximately twenty-four thousand (24,000) displaced individuals lodged in shelters. These numbers do not account for the Grand’Anse region as all communication is currently down and roads are still inaccessible in many communities throughout southern Haiti. The government is working diligently to ensure that access to roads and communication lines are restored as quickly as possible.

In such a time as this, I can imagine there is an urgency to mobilize and initiate efforts and offer ourselves at the service of our brothers and sisters. It is more beneficial however that we engage in a coordinated and strategic relief effort to avoid mistakes from the past. As the country continues to assess the extent of the damage, the state of Haiti strongly encourages all who wish to help to work with the local organizations and institutions on the ground in order to gain their input on the actual needs of the affected communities.

In the meantime, the most efficient way to contribute is to offer financial support. We encourage you to identify and engage local stakeholders. I and the staff at the Embassy stand ready to guide you and identify credible organizations on the ground for collaboration. You should know that local municipalities can also be good partners. It is imperative that we take caution when offering assistance not to contribute to the destruction of local institutions by bypassing or undermining them.

To best assist you, the Embassy of Haiti has activated a hotline. Please feel free to contact us and also share the number with your networks, (202) 320-4436.

I encourage you to stay connected with us on social media for periodic updates.

I am sending my best wishes to all your loved ones in Haiti.

Best Regards,

Ambassador Paul Altidor