Earthquake Death Toll Likely To Run Into Tens Of 1000's

The situation in Haiti remains largely unchanged as of 14 January 2010. Although aftershocks have decreased in both magnitude and frequency, they continued to shake Port-au-Prince throughout the night, forcing many survivors to sleep in the streets for fear of additional building collapses. There have been scattered reports of looting and unconfirmed reports of gunshots, but relative calm has dominated and there have been no reports of violence or unrest. Panic briefly erupted among survivors after rumors circulated of flooding caused by a tsunami, but the situation calmed after local officials assured the crowds that the reports were false. Services -- including communications, medical, water, electricity and sanitation -- are still largely unavailable. Rescue efforts were briefly suspended overnight due to a lack of electricity in the capital. The U.S. Air Force has provided air traffic control equipment to Toussaint Louverture International Airport (MTPP/PAP) to help land relief aircraft safely and reports indicate that 24 hour airport operations are now possible. International aid teams began arriving in the country before dawn, bringing supplies, search-and-rescue crews, medical workers and mobile hospitals. Officials have stated that the primary need for quake survivor is medical supplies and potable water, as the lack of these items will exacerbate the health concerns in the city. Reports indicate that, although aid has begun arriving, there have been problems distributing the supplies, as rubble and debris are still blocking many of the city’s roads. Both the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have deployed small vessels; the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier is also en route and is expected to arrive in Haiti on 14 January, while the USNS Comfort, a hospital ship, is readying for possible deployment, and is expected to arrive by 22 January. The U.S. Army has announced that it is deploying up to 3,500 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne; the first 100 will arrive on 14 January. Several other countries around the world and international organizations have also committed assets and monetary aid to the relief effort. Reports indicate that the U.S., Canadian, French and South Korean governments have begun evacuating some of their citizens. However, commercial flights remain canceled, and they are unlikely to resume for the foreseeable future. The potential death toll from the disaster remains speculative,