Obama on quake-hit Haiti

The US President Barack Obama has described the situation in Haiti as dire almost two months after the January 12 earthquake.



He’s warning of what he calls a second disaster in the country, saying people should not be under the illusion that the crisis there is over.



The US President was speaking after talks with Haitian President Rene Preval in Washington.



Meanwhile, Mr Obama has reiterated his country’s commitment to help Haiti in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.



He says there remains a desperate need for humanitarian help, especially as seasonal rains could threaten the more than one million Haitians left homeless by the quake.



According to figures released by the White House, more than 20 thousand US civilian and military personnel have taken part in the relief efforts.



Meanwhile, Mr Preval says while the response to the disaster has been massive and generous, it could have been more effective.



He has also called for the creation of a United Nations rapid response team to provide humanitarian help when natural disasters strike.