Haiti relief missions

Gotten the news that possibly as many as 200,000 people may have died. This is a staggering toll. How many people died in those massive earthquakes in China and Iran?

Some news on Chinese casualties. Appears that 8 Chinese peacekeepers died and at least 10 maybe missing. China has sent a relief force comprising of 50 personnel. Taiwan sent a relief mission with 23 people.

The Chinese Recue team took 17 hours to reach Haiti, including two hour stop for refuel in Canada, they landed in Haiti airport at 3:47 AM January 14th, two hour ahead of first US aircraft.

The airport is short of equipment that it took 6 hours to unload relief materials from the chartered China Airlines Airbus 330.

for those who dont know the governor general of Canada is haitian and she cried on TV

i think the Canadian gov will do the same thing as what they did for the Chinese earthquake, donate a penny for every penny that the people donate on top of the min amount that they are giving

i had tears when sichuan earthquake happened, and im from hk. but yea. lets all help them out and donate!! they need us. we shan't forsaken each other. the world assisted us 2 years ago. we should return our gratitude. thats wt being human is all about

We could open a thread in the strategic section and discuss the dealings of such a crisis. Natural disasters come much more often than wars in all states, including the US.

How much of Haiti is really affected by this Earthquake? It seems that practically all efforts are being focused on Port-au-Prince; adjacent Dominican Republic seems to be unaffected and is constantly sending in aid by road.

Apparently the rescue efforts in Haiti has been hampered by rules and logistics. Anyone know why that is? With so many ships off shore including the Carl Vinson, I'd assume helicopters would be the number one item to be used, but apparently not.

I am very disappointed by the Americans. They were late in reaching Haiti despite being very near. They spend first day or so on surveying the damage and sent 100 men for scouting location for camping the incoming main force.

Then they took over the airport and turned away planes with urgently needed equipment like field hospital from France, 2 sets of water purification system and 90 tons of medicine etc from China, and a Brirish plane with relief material and equipment, also affected were Brazilians and Canadians.

Non-Amricans were having raw deals trying to use the airport, whether trying to land or trying to fly out.

The Americans can do much much more than what they did in the last few days, for the sake of Haiti people I hope they can double up their relief actions, not just to their American citizens, but to all the people there.

lcloo said:

I am very disappointed by the Americans. They were late in reaching Haiti despite being very near. They spend first day or so on surveying the damage and sent 100 men for scouting location for camping the incoming main force.

Then they took over the airport and turned away planes with urgently needed equipment like field hospital from France, 2 sets of water purification system and 90 tons of medicine etc from China, and a Brirish plane with relief material and equipment, also affected were Brazilians and Canadians.

Non-Amricans were having raw deals trying to use the airport, whether trying to land or trying to fly out.

The Americans can do much much more than what they did in the last few days, for the sake of Haiti people I hope they can double up their relief actions, not just to their American citizens, but to all the people there.

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i was about to defend the American team reading the first half until i got to the part where they turned away materials from other countries...why?

lcloo, You are very, very off base. I don't know where you are getting your information from. Please post a link if you have one.

I've followed the situation closely and heard of no lifesaving equipment being turned away.

The first US forces arrive in Haiti within hours of the first hours of the disaster. That would be the US Coast Guard. Of course the first to arrive assessed the situation since any news coming out of that country was spotty at best. How long do you think it should take to muster the forces necessary with proper planning for such a mission?

First off there is a logistics problem in Haiti. Roads are blocked and destroyed. It is very difficult to move need items to the people that need them the most.

The airport in in Port-au-Prince is operating beyond it's capacity to serve this situation properly.

The US Forces are rendering aid to the people of Haiti as I type..

The USS Carl Vinson CVN-70 is in Haiti...

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) A Naval Air Crewman from the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) returns to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) after delivering supplies to the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913) off the coast of Haiti. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations in Haiti in response to the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake disaster. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael C. Barton/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) operating off the coast of Haiti as part of humanitarian relief efforts. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations in Haiti in response to the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake disaster. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael C. Barton/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) An aircrew member on board an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter straps down fresh drinking water before departing the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aaron Shelley/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) flight deck crew members prepare bottled water for delivery to those affected by a Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian White/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) shown operating off the coast of Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, analyzes the Haitian terrain from a Sea Hawk helicopter. Rear Adm. Branch embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrived Jan. 15, to provide humanitarian aid and emergency assistance following the earthquake disaster of Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Candice Villarreal/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) Sailors deliver an injured American citizen to USS Carl Vinson's (CVN 70) Health Services department for medical care [via an upper stage ordanance elevator]. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian White/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) A SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Red Lions of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15, delivers water and supplies to Haiti as part of rescue and relief efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE (Jan 15, 2010) U.S. Army soldiers unload food and supplies from a U.S. Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) at the airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The U.S. military is conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Candice B. Villarreal/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE (Jan 15, 2010) U.S. Navy SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrive at the airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The U.S. military is conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE (Jan. 15, 2010) Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) load pallets of relief supplies onto an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter as the ship arrives off the coast of Haiti.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Shen/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE (Jan. 15, 2010) Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) move pallets of relief supplies as the ship arrives off the coast of Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Shen/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) operating off the coast of Haiti as during humanitarian relief efforts. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations in Haiti in response to the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake disaster. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Marine stash their gear as they prepare to head to the port at Morehead City, N.C. to board the USS Bataan, Jan. 15, 2009. The 22nd MEU will deploy to Haiti aboard the Bataan and USS Carter Hall and Fort McHenry to provide sea-based humanitarian aid and disaster relief to the Haitian people after an earthquake ravaged the country, January 12.
Date Photo Taken: 1/16/2010 10:59:00 PM
Unit: 22nd MEU
Photo ByLine: Master Sgt. Keith A. Milks & Lance Cpl. Jonathan G. Wright

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Seabag in hand and rucksack on his back, a Marine from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit heads toward the amphibious assault ship Bataan at the Morehead City, N.C. port, Jan. 15, 2009. The 22nd MEU will deploy aboard the Bataan and the USS Carter Hall and Fort McHenry to the earthquake-ravaged Caribbean nation of Haiti to conduct sea-based humanitarian assisstance and disaster relief. USMC photo/released

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USS Carl Vinson CVN-70 and elements of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake cause severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12, 2010.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 16, 2010) Lt. Cmdr. Amy Hunt and Canadian Capt. Rory Macdonald tend to a Haitian woman and infant aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake cause severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael C. Barton/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 16, 2010) A CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 366 delivers a water buffalo to the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44). Gunston Hall was diverted from its mission to assist with relief efforts following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Stratton/Released)

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GUANTANAMO BAY (Jan. 15, 2010) Sailors board an MH-53E Sea Dragon assigned to Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 at the airfield at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The Blackhawks transported personnel to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to support following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Mesta/Released)

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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (Jan. 15, 2010) Equipment and supplies are loaded onto a C-2A Greyhound assigned to the Rawhides of Fleet Logistical Support Squadron (VRC) 40 at the airfield at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The Rawhides are transporting personnel to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to support disaster relief efforts following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Mesta/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 16, 2010) Aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), medical team members transport an injured Haitian woman to medical facilities aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. (U.S. photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael C. Barton/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 16, 2010) An air crewman comforts Haitian earthquake victims during a medical evacuation aboard an U.S. Navy SH-60F Sea Hawk assigned to the Red Lions of Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Candice Villarreal/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 16, 2010) Aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) medical team members transport an injured Haitian male for treatment aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 16, 2010) Aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) medical team members assist an injured Haitian child for treatment aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. . (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE (Jan. 16, 2010) An aircrew chief from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, surveys the city of Port-au-Prince before landing.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aaron Shelley/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 16, 2010) Sailors load bottles of fresh water into an MH-53E from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 that will be delivered to earthquake survivors.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 16, 2010) An SH-60F Seahawk helicopter flies to Haiti to deliver water and supplies as part of relief efforts for those affected by the recent earthquake. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 16, 2010) Three SH-60F Seahawk helicopters attached to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 prepare to take off after picking up water and supplies to distribute to earthquake survivors. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 16, 2010) A C-40 Greyhound makes a fuel stop on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) before heading to Haiti to transport meals ready-to-eat.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian White/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE (Jan. 16, 2010) Haitian citizens receive water from U.S. Navy air crewmen from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aaron Shelley)

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BALTIMORE, MD (Jan. 16, 2010) The Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) pulls away from Canton Pier for a short notice humanitarian deployment to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The ship, with a crew of nearly 850 personnel including 550 U.S. Navy medical service members, will assist other U.S. Armed Forces elements, non-profit humanitarian organizations and search and rescue teams from around the world in bringing relief to Haitians displaced by the Jan. 12 earthquake. Comfort's Medical Treatment Facility has the capability to provide significant medical care through an emergency operating rooms, ward beds, a casualty reception area, pharmacy and intensive care area. (U.S. Navy photo /Released)

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Infrastructure was so bad in Hati that it was tough to get around before the earthquake, I can only imagine now. And all the buildings are extremely old, built with hardly any building codes in the first place. It's not difficult to imagine why they're having so much difficulty getting stuff in.