Originally Published: 2010-03-07

Luc Dumoulin

It’s 24/7 for humanitarian workers in Haiti. “The situation is serious and the needs of the people are great,” says Luc Dumoulin who works in the Red Cross camp at Port-au-Prince and is the coordinator for the logistics team that routes aid out as it arrives on the island.

Can you describe the current situation in Haiti?
“It’s still serious. Some sanitary emergencies have been handled well and are managed appropriately, for example treatment for fractures, open wounds, and even amputations. The distribution of food and other first aid, from blankets to hygienic kits, is going more or less well – reaching about 200,000 people a day. The bigger problems that the Red Cross has to deal with are supplying tents and potable water, and the constant demand to keep good sanitary conditions in the homeless camps. The rainy season is around the corner and the situation will definitely worsen.”
What are the most urgent needs?
“Potable water for sure. The Red Cross distributes more than one million litres per day to about 100 camps and three hospitals. But distribution includes other things that are also important, that reach thousands of families every day both in the capital and in towns close by like Jacmel. Obviously we coordinate with other humanitarian associations such as United Nations and World Food Program to make sure that the needs of the maximum number of people are met in the shortest time possible.”

It’s been a month since the first quake hit the island. How are Haitians coping?
“Haitians have demonstrated great strength and an extraordinary capacity to withstand. In very extreme situations, they are bringing out the best in themselves to try to get back to some semblance of normalcy as soon as possible. But I was also moved by the dedication of Haitian Red Cross colleagues, who, even though grieving their lost loved ones, have continued to work without a break to help their friends and neighbours.”

How has this experience affected you?

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