Evening Buzz: Growing Unrest in Haiti
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/WORLD/americas/01/18/haiti.whats.next/t1larg.haiti.prayer.afp.gi.jpg caption="Survivors of the quake may soon face a growing a health crisis, officials say." width=300 height=169]
Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
There's growing unrest in Haiti. Anderson will be reporting live from Haiti tonight to bring you the latest on the crisis.
Today Anderson saw first-hand the brutality on the streets of Port-au-Prince, as several hundred Haitians broke into a store and looted items.
"They were armed with sticks, they armed with two-by-fours, with nails hammered into them. There were young men with large knives, with screwdrivers, whatever they could grab, and they began to fight amongst themselves," Anderson reported earlier today on CNN.
"One person would steal a sack of candles or whatever else they were able to take from the store. A group of four or five young men would descend on him in a gang and start beating him. We saw one young man being whipped by a belt that caused bloody - a large amount of blood to come from his arm," he added.
A little boy ended up getting caught in the middle of the fight outside the store. Anderson quickly took action to help the boy.
Adding to the frenzy was the gunfire from Haitian police officers, who were firing their pistols into the air to disperse the crowd. The officers were hired by an American businessman who owns two stores in the area. They got the job to keep the stores free of looters.
We'll also update you on the medical crisis. 360 M.D. Sanjay Gupta, neurosurgeon, was called into action by the U.S. military. Dr. Gupta led the surgery of a 12-year-old Haitian girl rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. He'll update us on the girl's condition.
Meanwhile, American doctors at a medical facility in Port-au-Prince are asking why they don't have the equipment they need to set up a field hospital, but Israeli doctors do, even though they came from half-way across the world.
"'It's a frustrating thing I can't explain," said Dr. Jennifer Furin of Harvard Medical School, who is helping out in Haiti.
"Makes you almost embarrassed to be an American," said another doctor.
Dr. Gupta is looking into the shortage of medical equipment from the U.S. What's the delay? We're keeping them honest.
There's also the shortage of food and water. The U.S. Air Force conducted its first air drop of supplies into Haiti today, six days after the quake hit. An Air Force C-17 from Polk Air Force Base, North Carolina dropped 55,000 pounds of bottled water and food. We'll show you the photos of the special operation.
Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET.
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Filed under: Maureen Miller • The Buzz |
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People are desperate for food & water. Why do they not load a bunch of trucks up (20 or so, I know they are around I've seen picks of them) and all dispatch at once in a long convoy: the back truck stop 1st, then the next last truck stop, and then the next last truck stop, until they spread themselves across a good portion of the city. The Air lifts should be made only to the grief stricken towns out side of port -a-prince that have not had any relief yet at all.
Good Morning Anderson and CNN
I could hear the frustration in Anderson and Sanjay's voices as they talked about what still needs to be done. Plus, what hasn't been done that could have. It' disgusting and deplorable what the Haitians are going through just to survive.
Again, thank you to Anderson Cooper, Dr Sanjay Gupta and all of the CNN crew/staff for keeping us updated. Great job!
Anderson you and Sandjay are doing a wonderful job of reporting the truth as you see it. I only hope that the lack of organization that has cost hundreds of deaths will be looked into and people will be held accountable. As far as america's disorganization, what will happen if we have a nuclear or medical crisis on our soil? It concerns me it will be the same. Alot of assessing and no action. Please expose as much as you see so that at least the public can see who failed. You are my hero. Carol
Dr.Gupta and Anderson Cooper are real americans heroes. Since the beginning of this disaster up to now those 2 gentlemen really show what real humanity is. I cannot find any words to describe them. God bless both Dr.Gupta and Anderson Cooper. The whole CNN crew has been doing a superb job in reporting Haiti disaster all over the world.
Reports of looting ; where are the American troops who were sent there to control the looting and protect the survivors? Reports of little or no water, no food; where are the American air drops? Why did it take six days for the first C-17 air drop?
I was thinking of ways to begin to engage the people of Haiti with their recovery that would help them feel they are doing something now and would seperate those who may cause unrest during these very very horrendous days ahead. Actually "vesting" them in a literal sense with vests reading something like "Haitian Relief Worker." The kind that DOT workers might wear. Talking with individuals in the relief lines about their capabilities and previous experiences and organizing them as soon as possible to roles they are capable of . Also establishing wages immediately in some way to build on their future without the sense of remaining in those lines for too long. Rather than just standing guard over the giving, begin the process immediately of giving them respect and a purpose, making them part of the solution.
Anderson,
I want to Thank you and Dr. Gupta and the whole CNN news team for your dedication and concern for the people in Haiti. I will agree with Sandy from Nevada, your whole CNN team are the best of the best in every aspect of mankind!
Anderson,
First, I loved your rant it is needed right now!
I got married after 19 months in Iraq/Afghanistan; my wife is from Russia and she asked me a good question today.
Why do news channels ignore Russia in their reporting? Russian news shows all the countries helping in Haiti, including the United States.
I would have to agree; I have not heard anyone even mention the Russians, and they put 4 huge airplanes into the area on 13th and 14th filled with rescue teams including dogs, they have pulled a lot of people out of the rubble.
They set up a Mobile Hospital on the 14th with a few surgery rooms. They are able to continue conducting surgeries under "full" anesthesia for their patients.
“We hope you can use this information to send injured people to the hospital that may need surgery, when you meet them while reporting.”
We hope you can use this information to send injured people to the hospital that may need surgery, when you meet them while reporting. I writing this because the US Air Force will not let our Doctors enter Haiti fast enough. Like, Doctor’s-Without-Borders trying to land in Haiti. In addition, the first aid centers you have shown have run out anesthesia.
After working alongside the Military in both Iraq and Afghanistan, I have to say the problem is higher up. Our President needs to step back in, and “unleash” our military, let them assess the security concerns for themselves and get everything moving… now.
I cannot believe they have been on the ground for three days, and you have yet to film them outside the airport or golf course compounds. We American’s need to see them on the streets of Haiti helping “move the rubble”... today, before more injured children that are so beautiful die.
Thank You,
Frank
Question: Why can't the plane with MSF personnel and equipment land at Haiti airport but plane with governor of Pennsylvania can?
Answer: One is French and the other is American!
Many thanks to AC and his cohorts, for the job well done. As usual AC is asking the question: Why aren't Doctors with meds and equipment getting thru by now? Let's figure this one out. Like the Katrina debokle at the stadium in New Orleans, we've hesitated, we've been slow with directions etc., to eliviate pain and unecessary deaths. The trucks on one side of the river in New Orleans couldn't get permission to cross the river with life saving provisions in time. Now the planes with Dr., and meds can't land and are severely restricted with rules about security. Someone must take responsibility now.
Anderson and Sanjay,
I know that those of us here in the the US can't possibly understand entirely, the amount of frustration and sadness that the two of you are feeling observing this neglect before your eyes. Many of us do appreciate the anguish that the two of you are putting yourselves through for the sake of publicizing the horror of the scene there in Haiti. I especially want to thank Anderson for pointing out the absurdness of the recent evacuation events in Haiti. I understand why adoptive parents in the US were so anxious to hug their children, but those children would be alive next week to hug as well. Instead, some other Haitian children will die, that could have been saved by receiving better medical treatment, and necessary supplies.
Ok we are hearing all this information that doctors are being turned away from the airport, theirs no law and order in the streets and its complete chaos, supplies are just sitting at the airport. I ask WHY WHY WHY!!! There is no need for this to be so unorganized. Here's my idea and im not no disaster specialist, so please hear me out. Why doesn’t the USA just send out an alert to all Americans, that anyone that wants to go down their and help...CAN. As long as u have passport and proper documentation. I’m talking about ordinary citizens like me. I know I would. Now obv doctors, medical supplies, food, water, and troops are 1st. That's fine with me. Here are a few things that I have been seeing on TV that I think are the problem. One, can someone please explain to me why the troops are the ones unloading the aircrafts? They can be used for such more productive things such as getting into the streets and keeping the peace. If, lets say America makes some arrangements with some if not all the airlines to offer flights nonstop all day from morning to dawn 1 every few hrs from 10 of the busiest airports I think we can easily have 20,000 plus volunteers down their in one day setting up tents, passing out food, unloading the aircrafts that bring supplies, helping out in which everyway possible. Now imagine doing that for 5 days we would have over 100,000 possible ordinary citizens that are volunteering. By doing this you are allowing everyone else (doctors, troops, search and rescue, etc) that is helping to do more and focus on what they are good at. But because there are not many if any volunteers other than what I just mentioned I believe their over whelmed with tasks. Imagine if there was a systematic line that was in order. Plane lands, several thousand volunteers unload it and pass it on to several other thousand volunteers to unwrap it and put it into trucks to be driven to the city. And this process continues 24hrs a day. Things would begin to move a lot faster and I think a lot more lives can be saved. Troops would be able to secure and protect the hospitals, orphanage, and doctors wouldn’t leave because they fear for their safety. It all just trickles down to getting more people out to help so the important people that can save lives can… And at the same time prevent the entire country from complete chaos.
Just a thought.
In my view there is no other reporter I have ever watched who has the heart and soul of Anderson Cooper! God bless the reporting he brings to us and the real stories,like this boy who he helped to move out of harms way . I am glad he brings up the controversial "where is the Haitian government?"
You guys are doing a great job...I'm having a hard time tearing myself away sometimes..and I'm only reading it online...
I assume you realize who else got in, while Doctors With Out Boarders was waiting, and that would celebrate news teams, including your own.
Having said that, if you suggested to the Doctors or anyone else that's waiting, that they try calling the PA. Governor, it sounds like he knows how to get it done and I bet he would rush to help them too.
Anderson,
Thank you for all your reporting....and showing the world what is transpiring. I thought that Port Au Prince was a highly traveled port of call for cruise lines....with that said...Have any cruise ships/cruise lines offered their ships for makeshift hospitals and lodging?? They are fully equipped with food, beds and medical supplies already and with all the aid that has been pouring in and being that just about every country able in our world is offering assistance they should be more than willing to establish these units at the ports. I do not know the distance from the ports to the areas heavily hit with disaster but it just makes sense being that by air there is so much traffic trying to land with supplies. It would give some relief and some order so that those in desperate need could get proper treatment and even more lives can be salvaged that have been rescued. And if the ports become crowded then set sail and become a floating shelter/hospital so that other ships can assist.
If anyone would know an answer to this you would Anderson. Our prayers are with you all and for all those in Haiti.
Hello Anderson, I gave at church on Sunday,and I will give again. My prayers are with the familiea of Hatti and also my prayers are with you and your team. God Bless!
Anderson, thank you so much for all you are doing keep up with the hard questions you are right to get so mad I can not believe things are going so slow, my thoughts a prayers are with you and all the people there
Anderson Cooper is clearly separating himself from the rest of the world when it comes to journalism. Keep up the absolutely amazing work and stay safe guys!
This situation in Haiti is heart breaking. It is possible that this event has caused the world to take notice of such great need in this very poor and hurting nation. It causes us to reflect on the how easy our life is compared to those who live daily in poverty and hunger–doing without.
As an American I feel shame for all the greed and complaining that is part of our culture and attitude.
I am so very moved by the compassion of so many who are risking it all to go and provide medical care and those who are taking great risks to report what is happening at this time.
This is an opportunity for all of us to make some contribution and to reach out in some way to show mercy and kindness.
Anderson- you and the rest of the reporters and all your CNN crew are the finest journalists in the world. Not only the reporting but the genuine compassion you all clearly have which cannot be faked. If you and your colleagues were calling the shots down there on distributing the aid I have no doubt that many more lives would have been saved. I will continue to watch even though it is heartbreaking and contribute what money I can not just now but in the coming months. I hope to one day come to Haiti on a mission trip and be of some use in the rebuilding they will surely need. In the meantime you have won my respect and loyalty. May God bless you and your crew and all the beautiful people of Haiti you are trying to help!!!
Hey Anderson
You are doing a fantastic job and both you and Sanjay are truly great humanitarians
I don't know about the rest of you but I've cried so much I ran out of tears. Earlier I wrote that if our military had been given permission to excercise Logistics, been given full control of the situation from the beginning the victims would already had accessibility to food/water/ shelter and medical care. I am so frustrated that there is nothing I can do to help and everything looks so disorganized. I get angry at the UN workers because they don't seem to be doing anything. Anderson, you are a true humanitarian, a hero, please stay safe. Dr. Gupta, you are a god-send to the people of Haiti, you are a true hero, please stay safe. God bless you all. I'm crying again as I am watching you again.
I think that calling desperately poor and frustrated Haitians "looters" or "robbers" is really in poor taste. They have nothing, and in disasters, your natural instinct is to survive. The fact that an American owned store hired gunmen to protect damaged goods from "looting" is disgraceful. They should have handed out the supplies to those who clearly need it.
Anderson is the US gonna be blamed for the problems in Haiti Too? We get blamed for everything else ! Each time we stick our nose in some other country we get the blame for everything that happens there!!
Thanks
and good luck.
With my Haitian Spirit, I'd like to thank you Anderson Cooper.
Thanks Anderson for your great reporting, and for keeping them honest. These delays constitute crimes against humanity. You and the whole CNN team are doing journalism with heart. Check out what the Canadian ships are doing for the coastal towns. And bring General Honore in again to talk about how to run an airport.
Anderson Cooper, thank you for reporting the truth and asking the right questions! Reporting is only a part of your efforts...we see your heart of compassion. Your work is admirable and your courage is evident. My husband is Haitian. He was brought to the US by missionaries at the age of 5 and grew up here. In '04 He discovered that his biological mother was alive & living in Haiti. We met her and several family members for the first time in '06. That experience changed our lives forever and birthed a humanitarian/mission work in Haiti through us. Even before the quake we faced many challenges of getting goods and supplies past the airport and seaport. Now, there should be no delays, yet people are still dying, including our family. Keep asking the right question for us. Together, we'll will be heard. God Bless you for the work you are doing.
My own frustration is great and I'm sitting in my home with all that I need taken care of. I can't imagine the level of frustration and anger that the needy of Haiti are experiencing right now.
I totally agree with Anderson's questions about delays and red-tape management. TO PUT IT SIMPLY: there should be a level of emergency response that cuts out all the normal formality and processing and allows common sense and basic humanity to be the rule in helping others. I saw the lack of this in Katrina, but on a less desperate scale than in Haiti. Just help people LIVE !) give adequate medical care 2) provide water and food 3) provide adequate shelter and safety 4) provide opportunities to be reunited with family and communities, etc.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist, or a member of congress, or country's dignitary, or a military, or a special group from a speaicl country to figure this out.
Anderson, keep up the great work and continue asking the questions...I, too love orphans, but really don't get the bureaucratic elitism that would allow a governor from PA to fly down there, but doctors are on hold? Thankfully, the little ones were spared the physical injury that so many others suffered. How about if those doctors without borders had been able to access the little St. Louis girl? Where are the military, and how is it that so many international teams are there from across the world, and we are a stone's throw away, and we're not there in full force a full week out?
I agree with Viv and Luesta-it's survival at this point-not looting. I wondered about the businessmen who were trying to save their goods-to what end? To take them where? To sell them? To whom?
We keep hearing that these proceeds go "right to the ground", but we are seeing that the help is not getting there. This is awful.
Like you, AC, I wonder, "What is the problem?" When I first heard of this on Tuesday, it was on NPR. For days, I kept hearing, "Teams will be deploying..." The story of the lbeautiful little eleven year old girl is haunting.
Since I work from home, I've been watching the CNN coverage of the earthquake disaster since day one, and am in complete agreement with Anderson and Sanjay Gupta who cannot understand why medical and other aid isn't getting to the people. I watch in utter disbelief and am disgusted by the inability of the so-called people in charge to take charge of the situation! No wonder the Haitan people are losing their patience! What is the use of the hard work of the rescue teams if these poor people can't get follow up treatment for their wounds afterwards! May be the answer is right at the top because as I was watching Christian Amanpour's interview with Ban Ki-Moon earlier on, I was asking myself how he could be Head of the UN as he seemed incapable of answering any of her questions directly or even coherently. I have been touched by the deep concern shown by Anderson and Sanjay!