Two Royal New Zealand Navy Officers felt privileged to play a small part in providing humanitarian assistance to Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake of 12 January 2010.
Sub Lieutenant Nick Foster and Ensign Kendra Titheridge happened to be on an exchange programme with the Canadian Navy on board Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships’ ATHABASKAN and HALIFAX when the ships were diverted south to Haiti.
The Canadian Minister of Defence directed SLT Foster’s home ship HMCS ATHABASKAN to the town of Legoane, east of Port au Prince, near the epicentre of the quake, while the HALIFAX was sent to Jacmel, northeast of Port au Prince.
SLT Foster describes the trip: “During the five-day sea passage we were briefed about equipment we would take ashore (chainsaws, concrete cutters, generators and hand-tools and what to expect on the ground in Haiti. We also began taking malaria medication. Our initial objective was to establish ourselves on shore, make contact with the Haitian people and identify areas where we could make a difference. Members of the team helped clean up a school, set up security for a first aid centre, and provided light engineering.”
Fellow New Zealand Navy Officer ENS Titheridge joined the first working party sent ashore from HMCS HALIFAX at Jacmel:
“After 15 minutes clearing rubble, you’re exhausted, soaked with sweat, red from the sun. Conditions were bad. Aftershocks continued, and there was the constant worry that buildings would collapse further. The town was full of destroyed buildings, with no running water or electricity, and little food. Initially we concentrated on clearing roads, then undertook reconnaissance missions and cleared areas for make-shift hospitals. We were assisted by local men who helped us clear the roads. They were a great help advising us what needed to be done.
“Other priorities included chopping trees at Jacmel Airport to allow aircraft to land, investigating the structural integrity of buildings, and helping at displaced persons camps and orphanages. Digging latrines was particularly important, as hygienic sanitation prevents the spread of diseases like typhoid and cholera.”
ENS Titheridge said that despite the devastating effects of the earthquake, she was glad to see the human spirit prevail in the midst of this catastrophe, “Despite the devastating effects of the earthquake it surprised me to see happy and smiling children – interested in seeing and touching our belongings. It was equally heartening when the elderly waved at us as we filed past them with axes, chainsaws and shovels. It was fantastic being part of an operation and feeling such a sense of achievement. Providing humanitarian assistance is an eye-opening and positive experience, and we were privileged to have been involved in it.”