The UN Flag flew at half-mast in the International Humanitarian City, Dubai (IHC) as a sign of respect for the UN personnel who lost their lives in Haiti.

The international agency’s building in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, was severely damaged in the recent earthquake, and there were reports of many injuries as well as casualties.

IHC member agencies such as OCHA, WFP, UNHCR and UNHRD – who operate out of Dubai are working hard to ensure that relief reaches Haiti at the earliest.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has sent expert IT & telecommunications experts to help restore power and communications in the affected areas. They are also gearing up to air-lift additional relief including tents, blankets, mobile warehouses, health kits and water purification kits by this week. The refugee agency, UNHCR, is also mobilizing tents and plastic sheets for over a thousand beneficiaries.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), it is estimated that up to 1 million people are in need of shelter and non-food assistance in Haiti. The agency provides daily situation reports on humanitarian needs and response efforts in the earthquake hit country.

For more information on the aid response from Dubai for Haiti, please visit this website.