Secretary-General, Saddened by Deaths in Haiti Rainstorm, Gives

 

Assurances on Adequacy of Emergency Response Supplies

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is saddened by the loss of life and damage caused by the sudden rainstorm in Haiti on 24 September 2010.  He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have died.

The United Nations is responding to the situation.  More than 40 teams composed of staff of the United Nations, aid agencies and the Government of Haiti are currently assessing the damage, and an aerial assessment is being conducted with the Government.  MINUSTAH's (United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti) forces are deployed throughout Port-au-Prince and are helping people who have been trapped or are in need of medical assistance.  The aid community has adequate supplies in place to respond, including tarpaulins, hygiene kits, blankets and food.

The Secretary-General welcomes the generosity of donors who have responded to this and other crises this year, including the devastating floods in Pakistan.  The Secretary-General stressed the importance of the need for continued support for Haiti, where $450 million is still required to meet ongoing needs.

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For information media • not an official record