Relief Still Spotty, But U.S. Military Is Ramping Up Distribution

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Desperate for help.

David Gilkey/NPR

Desperate for help.

David Gilkey/NPR

"Helicopters are becoming a more common site over Port-au-Prince," NPR's Tom Bullock reports from Haiti's devastated capital. He says that "the U.S. military began air-dropping water to desperate Haitians on Saturday. Today, it is expanding the effort."

Tom adds that "the 82nd airborne is expected to distribute water and rations at the main soccer stadium in Port-au-Prince — which has already become a makeshift refugee camp."

But, he cautions, "the needs of Haitians here far outstrip supply. Food and water remain scarce. Other basics — like gasoline for generators are often only available on the black market. And aid for the most part appears randomly. Often air drops are followed by desperate Haitians scrambling — and fighting — for the supplies left behind."

For more of NPR's coverage of the crisis in Haiti, click here.

If you're looking for information on charities doing work in Haiti, click here.