UN Boss urges more support for Haiti 6 yrs. after earthquake


The international community has been urged to "stand with Haiti" as it continues to rebuild following a devastating earthquake six years ago.

More than 200,000 people died and much of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince was destroyed in the tremor which struck on 12 January 2010.

The magnitude-seven quake hit 15 miles south-west of Port-au-Prince, destroying the infrastructure in many parts of the Caribbean island.

Around 1.5 million people were displaced, in addition to the dead.

In a statement the UN Secretary-General urged more support for Haiti.

"The path to recovery and long-term development is not an easy one. Many Haitians continue to face multiple challenges, including displacement, food insecurity and lack of access to clean water and sanitation. Haiti remains in need of international support and I therefore call on the international community to stand with Haiti as it moves forward to rebuild."  Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric.

Some 102 UN personnel died in the quake.

The UN chief, Ban Ki-moon reaffirmed the continued commitment of the United Nations to support the Haitian people.


SOURCE: Daniel Dickinson, United Nations.