About iJET Intelligent Risk Systems
JET Intelligent Risk Systems (iJET) is an intelligence-driven provider of business resiliency and risk management solutions to nearly 500 multinational corporations and governments – helping them survive and thrive amidst global threats to their people, facilities and supply chain assets.
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iJET anticipates a protracted humanitarian crisis in Haiti. The international community is in the midst of a massive relief effort, but it could be many days if not weeks before order is restored in the country. Looting and a mounting refugee crisis continue to hinder rescue and recovery efforts. Serious health and security problems may continue for months, complicating relief efforts and presenting significant challenges for organizations operating in the country.
iJET resources are on the ground in Haiti, assisting clients with employees, families and facilities in the affected earthquake zone. iJET analysts continue to monitor developments as they occur and issue advice and recommendations, and iJET’s response team continues to facilitate emergency evacuations to ensure that clients are able to leave the country as quickly and as safely as possible.
iJET will update this page as the crisis continues.
- Recent Developments
- Overview of Situation in Haiti
- Practical Tools and Advice
- Resources in Haiti
- Emergency Evacuation Resources
A UN aid convoy carrying supplies for earthquake victims was attacked in the northern town of Limbe, Feb. 22. Witnesses said several hundred residents blocked all of the exits in the town, located about 22 km (14 miles) southwest of Cap-Haitien, and threw rocks at the convoy, demanding assistance. The attackers agreed to allow the convoy to go free after UN workers distributed milk to the crowd. The attack indicates the growing instability and high risk of crime nationwide in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake. Though the north was unscathed by the earthquake, thousands of people in the area live in dire poverty and are in need of assistance. The region has also seen an influx of thousands of refugees from the earthquake zone, straining the already taxed infrastructure in these impoverished regions. Most refugees in northern regions are not being assisted by aid organizations, which have focused their efforts on the earthquake zone around Port-au-Prince. As a result, individuals in this region may be forced to turn to crime in an attempt to survive. Anyone operating in the region - or aid convoys traveling through - should take note of the growing security risks and travel with heavy security.
The earthquake has prompted a mass exodus out of Port-au-Prince; the UN estimates that about 500,000 people have fled the city, seeking shelter in the northern city of Gonaives or in the countryside. The exodus may make it more difficult to distribute relief to individuals in need, strain infrastructure in other areas of the country and increase security threats.
Many businesses still standing in Port-au-Prince are trying to resume operations. Street markets have reopened, especially near the airport. Many banks are operational, allowing wire transfers from abroad. Business has partially resumed at garment factories in Haiti's main industrial park, which largely escaped damage, while schools outside of the quake zone have reopened.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) warned Feb. 2 that the risk of powerful aftershocks remains high and cautioned against returning to buildings potentially damaged in the quake.
Security Situation
The overall security situation across Haiti remains tenuous. Police have reported an increase in looting and gang activity, especially in the Cite Soleil district, which is believed to be a hideout for thousands of inmates who escaped from collapsed prisons during the earthquake. Incidents of deliberate theft and sexual assault have also been reported. Haiti's police force has largely collapsed in the aftermath of the earthquake, with only about 2,000 officers currently working to maintain order in the streets. US military personnel were deployed to Port-au-Prince after the quake and have bolstered the UN presence, but the soldiers are largely not participating in regular policing duties. The lack of security forces has led to the formation of vigilante groups in many areas.
Transportation
The US government continues to coordinate flights through Toussaint L'Ouverture International Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince. Limited runway space and inadequate operational capabilities continue to restrict plane movements, causing considerable delays for inbound flights.
Flights have started landing at smaller regional airports, easing a degree of the burden at PAP. Flights have also been diverted to the Dominican Republic, with aid workers and supplies ferried via convoy across the border.
Road travel from Santo Domingo to Port-au-Prince is severely congested, and it may take up to 18 hours to complete the trip. Most major roadways have been cleared of debris, but many smaller routes remain impassable.
Infrastructure
Authorities predict up to 75 percent of buildings in Port-au-Prince will need to be reconstructed. Surrounding towns and cities have also been hard hit. The quake damaged nearly all basic utility services in south-central Haiti. Electricity and municipal water supplies remain unavailable in most areas. Though Haiti's hydroelectric generators are now operational, the grid will not be able to supply Port-au-Prince with power until mid-February. However, generators are providing electricity in some pockets of the region.
Phone communication has largely been restored in Port-au-Prince. The Internet is accessible in many areas. Utility providers are working to restore services in outlying towns, but disruptions are likely for weeks in many areas.
Health
On Jan. 30, the WHO reported a growing prevalence of diarrhea, measles and tetanus cases among patients appearing for medical care. Starting Feb. 1, though, authorities will provide 500,000 cubic meters of treated drinking water every day to the Haitian population, which should help control certain food- and water-borne diseases.
As of Jan. 24, more than 40 hospitals are functioning in and around Port-au-Prince, including 12 field hospitals - half of which are military.
More information on affected infrastructure and advice is located in the resource section below.
| DOCUMENT NAME | DESCRIPTION |
| Special Client Bulletin 2 - Haiti Earthquake (Originally published 14 Jan 2010) |
Updates and advice on the earthquake, as of 14 Jan. 2010 |
| Special Client Bulletin - Haiti Earthquake (Originally published 13 Jan 2010) |
Summary and advice from the immediate aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. |
Practical advice for safety during and after earthquakes. |
|
Tips for reducing vulnerability during civil unrest. |
|
Information on water treatment options to help reduce risk of disease. |
|
Advice for avoiding and reacting to violent crime. |
In-Country Resource Contact Numbers
Some telecommunication services in Haiti have been restored.
| ORGANIZATION/ AGENCY | PHONE NUMBER |
| Police | 114 |
| Red Cross |
116 |
UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti |
113 |
US Embassy in Haiti Consular Task Force |
509-2229-8942 |
Canadian Embassy |
509-2249-9000 |
French Embassy (emergency) |
509-3701-1764 |
| ORGANIZATION/ AGENCY | PHONE / WEB ADDRESS |
| US State Department Operations Center | For inquiries about U.S. citizens in Haiti 1-888-407-4747 |
| Google Crisis Response | Google “Person Finder” Site http://haiticrisis.appspot.com/ |
ESRI |
Maps, images and data for responders |
Current GeoEye Imagery after quake |
|
UNOSAT |
Satellite imagery from the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme http://unosat.web.cern.ch/unosat/asp/UNOSAT-EQ-201001-HTI.asp |
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency |
Information on ongoing rescue and recovery efforts |
USGS |
Information on recent earthquakes |
UN News Center |
Latest information from Haiti, via the UN news site http://www.un.org/apps/news/infocusRel.asp?infocusID= |
iJET has on-the-ground resources in Haiti working with clients to provide security services and emergency evacuations.
For ACE Executive Assistance clients, iJET is continuing to coordinate evacuation activities. For more information, visit the ACE Executive Assistance Program resource page.
