Insider report on Haiti

I don’t know if you saw the comment from reader Kirk Anderson the other day, but he offers some good inside information on the situation in Haiti, especially as regards relief efforts:

I work in the international development field and I’ve been on the phone with NGO partners in Haiti for the past few days. The general impression that I get is that lawlessness isn’t quite as prevalent as we’re lead to believe by the news media. There is, of course, looting and acts of violence, but in general the situation relatively stable, crime wise. People keep telling me that the real issue is that trucks carrying food aid can’t get anywhere because they get mobbed as soon as they’re out of the gates. I’d guess that American troops will be keeping order around aid distribution points and escorting supply columns, so as to prevent rioting, etc. When I asked the people on the ground what their needs were, almost every single time I was told security for their supplies.

I also keep hearing that the security situation will improve as more supplies roll in. Right now, people are desperate. They need food and water, and they’re willing to go to great lengths to get them. Hopefully as the logistical situation is rectified, security will improve.

If any of you have additional information that you know about, especially from people you know over there, please report.