Georgia May Receive Repatriated Haitian-Americans

By Odette Yousef

Atlanta, GA – Georgia is on standby to receive U.S. citizens who are caught in the devastating aftermath of Haiti's recent earthquake. Already, Florida and New Jersey have received hundreds of citizens fleeing the destruction in Haiti. Between 40 and 50 thousand American citizens live in Haiti.

Buzz Weiss, spokesperson for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, says Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport would likely be the welcoming point for them. "We don't know when the request might be made. However, we are prepared to get a very quick turnaround on this. I would say possibly within 36 hours after notification."

Weiss says GEMA would take the lead in processing those coming in. It would also provide them with necessary services, he said, like " first aid, crisis counseling, temporary shelter, communications with federal and state and local agencies, technical staff."