GONAIVES, HAITI. – The U.S. Coast Guard transported relief supplies Friday and Saturday to residents suffering in Gonaives, Haiti due to flooding from Tropical Storm Hanna.
Tropical Storm Hanna caused significant flooding in Gonaives Monday and Tuesday when it passed through the region.
Friday, crews aboard two HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., picked up U.S. Agency for International Development supplies, enough for approximately 2,000 people, at the Port Au Prince airport and delivered them to Gonaives.
Crews from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Legare loaded 33 to 35 tons of additional supplies Friday. They are being delivered Saturday to Gonaives.
Supplies delivered by the Coast Guard include staple foods such as rice, beans and vegetables, water, hygiene and medical kits, and shelter items, including tents and plastic sheeting.
“Our hope is that the food, water, medical and other supplies transported by our Coast Guard ships and aircraft will provide some much needed basic necessities to Haitian residents suffering from the devastating floods,” said Rear Adm. Steve Branham, Seventh Coast Guard District commander. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Haiti as Hurricane Ike makes its way into the area.”
