Haiti - earthquake

First supply ship arrives, some reports of looting

Article published on the 2010-01-16 Latest update 2010-01-16 10:04 TU

Bottled water being loaded onto a helicopter onboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier
(Photo: Reuters)

Port-au-Prince received its first supply ship on Friday since this week’s earthquake, which is thought to have killed around at least 50,000 people. The ship was carrying bananas and coal, and brings much needed relief to residents in need of aid. Meanwhile there were some reports of looting and armed men attempting to steal money from survivors.

The boat arrived from Jeremie, a Haitan town around 200 kilometres from Port-au-Prince and brought food, and coal which can be used to boil water, to help prevent the spread of disease.

Following the destruction of the local jail during the quake, some residents began reporting instances of looting. It is thought many convicts escaped when the facility collapsed.

People said men armed with machetes were demanding money from survivors, while some armed police were readying themselves to deal with any robbers.

Around 10,000 US soldiers have taken control of the airport to help distribution of aid. But the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier has now run out of supplies after water, sheets and camp beds were delivered to the island in a total of 20 trips.

UN officials said there were now feeding around 8,000 people a day, and hopes to increase that to one million within 15 days.