Direct Relief’s emergency response team is gearing up to respond to the impact of Hurricane Tomas on people already suffering in Haiti after the January 2010 earthquake and recent cholera outbreak. The research and analysis team is employing Google Earth and other mapping tools to project the hurricane’s path across partner sites to identify the best possible locations to deliver assistance.

As part of its established Hurricane Preparedness Program, Direct Relief has positioned Hurricane Prep Modules at four sites in Haiti. The materials included in the modules equip a health facility to treat 5,000 people for a month. While the modules have been authorized for use in response to treat the urgent needs of cholera patients last week, remaining materials will support the needs of people affected by Hurricane Tomas.

With more than 50 partner sites across Haiti receiving medical material aid from Direct Relief, the organization is well situated to provided needed materials in a short timeframe. Our secure warehouse in Port-au-Prince serves as an ideal staging area from which aid can be dispersed as needed, where it’s needed.