Americas News

UN: Water supplies to Haiti capital cut (Extra)

Jan 13, 2010, 16:44 GMT

Geneva - Key areas of Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince have been heavily damaged by a devastating earthquake, United Nations officials said Wednesday, adding that water supplies were cut.

'All municipal water supplies are reportedly shut off,' said Elizabeth Byrs with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, quoting Haitian ministry officials.

Over two dozen international search and rescue teams had received permission to enter Haiti, Byrs noted.

Many UN offices in Haiti had been heavily damaged by the 7.0 magnitude quake, which struck late Tuesday afternoon.

Up to 100 UN staff members were believed to still be trapped under rubble of their buildings, which were damaged along with school, hospitals and ministries.

Reports indicated the capital's main prison was also damaged.

Nearly 3.5 million people are estimated to be in areas affected by 'strong quakes,' OCHA estimated.

In an earthquake, 'what people need urgently, more than food, is water,' said Veronique Taveau with the UN's Children Fund (UNICEF).

UN officials said concerns over the water supply were growing along with fears of disease spreads.