United States forces in Haiti have begun distributing the first aid supplies as chaos and looting hamper the relief effort. Food, water and medicines remain scarce.

The US is sending 10,000 troops to Haiti to help distribute emergency supplies and maintain order. Cuba has given the US permission to use its air space to facilitate quicker transportation of humanitarian help.
 

The relief work is being hampered by gangs of youths who are roaming the streets of Port-au-Prince armed with machetes. Some 4,000 criminals are also out on the street after the capital's prison they were in collapsed. A UN warehouse has been plundered and shops are being looted.
 

UN relief workers say many survivors are angry that it's taking so long for aid and supplies to reach them. Planes bringing in supplies and workers cannot land easily at Port-au-Prince's airport because of the damage caused by the earthquake.
 

UN Secretary-General says he wants to visit the disaster area as soon as possible. The UN has earmarked 550 million dollars for food, water and shelter. The international community has so far pledged  268 million dollars in financial aid. France has called for the country's foreign debt to be written off.
 

Tens of thousands of people are feared dead. In Port-au-Prince the dead are being buried in mass graves. Around 3,5 million people live in the area devastated by the earthquake. The UN estimates at least 300,000 of them have been left homeless.

(Photos: NOS and Wikimedia)