United Nations Radio

The United Nations is preparing to launch a flash appeal for Haiti after a series of tropical storms killed more than 100 people and affected some 250,000.

Spokeswoman for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs -OCHA in Geneva Elizabeth Byers says the flash appeal is being prepared with all the UN relief organizations and their non-governmental organization partners to support the efforts of the Haitian government.

"The situation is very bad especially in Lecailles in the north and Gonaives where the city is flooded. There are over 250, 000 people affected and some people were on the roofs; there is 2 to 3 meters of level of water. There are over 100 people dead and we are very very worried and this death toll will increase for sure."

OCHA announced today in Geneva that USAID had donated 100, 000 dollars to relief operations and the government of Switzerland has pledged 1, 15 million Swiss francs.

And WFP -the World Food Programme announced it is reinforcing staff and plans to set up a base in Gonaives, the northern town battered by Tropical Storm Hanna on the night of 1 to 2 September.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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