<P> In Martinique, Électricité de France requested additional crews from Guadeloupe and French Guiana to help restore power . Members of the military and Forces françaises aux Antilles were deployed to assist in clearing debris from roadways . The St. Lucia Red Cross distributed non-food items to 270 people affected by the storm . </P> <P> On October 4, the United States prepared the aircraft carrier, the hospital ship USNS Comfort--which previously aided thousands in the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake--and the transport dock for relief operations in Haiti . USS Mesa Verde and USS George Washington were later relieved by USS Iwo Jima, along with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit . United States Southern Command also deployed 100 troops with 9 helicopters to the Cayman Islands to prepare for relief work . Initial estimates indicated at least 350,000 people were in need of assistance . </P> <P> The bridge between the south and Port - au - Prince was destroyed . As a result, aid agencies reported they were having difficulty getting around to the most damaged and storm - affected parts of Haiti . </P> <P> The commander of U.S. forces in the Caribbean reported that troops and 6 helicopters from Joint Task Force - Bravo had been deployed to Haiti for the aftermath, and were expected to arrive on October 6 . These are expected to help with search - and - rescue missions as well as providing medical assistance . In addition to his, a one - star navy admiral will also travel to lead the task force involved in the operations . More than 300 military personnel will most likely travel to Haiti, with 300 Marines on board on the ships sent out for aid from the U.S. </P>

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