**Headline:**

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United Nations Steps Up Humanitarian Aid Following Catastrophic Earthquake in Haiti

**Subheadline:**
The United Nations announces an increase in aid and support to Haiti in the aftermath of a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake, aiming to bolster ongoing local efforts to provide emergency relief and begin rebuilding.


**Article Body:**

In a comprehensive response to the recent catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti, the United Nations (UN) has announced an increase in humanitarian aid to support the Caribbean nation’s efforts in emergency relief and rebuilding. The devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the impoverished country on August 14, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction, death, and despair.

The UN’s increased support comes as Haiti’s government declared a state of emergency and called for international assistance in managing the disaster. The quake has resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 people and has left thousands more injured and homeless. The UN’s role in this critical period is to bolster Haiti’s capacity to provide immediate aid to affected communities and to support long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts.

“The United Nations is stepping up efforts to assist the people of Haiti in this time of dire need,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement. “We are mobilizing resources and coordinating with our partners on the ground to provide immediate relief and support recovery and rebuilding efforts in the long term.”

The UN’s comprehensive aid package will include medical assistance, food, clean water, shelter, and other essential supplies, with a particular focus on supporting the most vulnerable communities. These include children, the elderly, and people with disabilities who are most affected by the disaster.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is also working to ensure the welfare of children in the affected areas. “Children are particularly vulnerable in disasters, and ensuring their safety and wellbeing is a priority,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. “We are working to provide immediate life-saving support and protection to children and families affected by this disaster.”

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will also be involved, providing support for longer-term recovery and rebuilding efforts. The UNDP’s role will include helping the Haitian government assess the full extent of the damage and plan the recovery process.

This is not the first time Haiti has faced such a calamity. In 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake resulted in the deaths of an estimated 230,000 people. The Haitian government, with support from the international community, has since been working to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and increase its resilience against such disasters.

Despite these efforts, the recent earthquake has shown that Haiti remains vulnerable to natural disasters. The UN’s increased support is a critical part of the international response to help Haiti manage the current crisis and build a more resilient future.

“Haiti has repeatedly been hit by natural disasters,” said Guterres. “Our goal is not just to help Haiti recover from this latest disaster, but to support the Haitian people in building a more resilient nation that can better withstand future shocks.”

The UN’s prompt response to the crisis and commitment to long-term support has been welcomed by the Haitian government. “We are grateful for the solidarity and support we are receiving from the international community in this difficult time,” said Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry. “This aid is critical to our immediate response efforts and will be vital in our long-term recovery.”

As Haiti grapples with the aftermath of yet another devastating earthquake, the eyes of the world remain on the small Caribbean nation. The increased support from the UN and the international community is a beacon of hope in the midst of a grave crisis, offering much-needed aid and a pathway towards recovery and resilience.

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