. . . EU ministers meet in Brussels.
The UK Government is trebling its funding for the immediate humanitarian response to the Haiti earthquake, according to a release.

The total sum would rise from US$10 million to £20 million (over $30m) based on the latest assessments of the scale of the disaster from our team on the ground, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said.

The increased funding from the Department for International Development (DFID) was to be announced at a meeting of European Union development ministers in Brussels yesterday.

The ministers were expected to agree to the large scale funding for further relief and recovery work in Haiti.

DFID has so far pledged $10 million (£6.2m), which is already being used for work in a number of areas.

The additional $20m will go towards further relief and recovery work, including food, shelter, basic sanitation and health services. An assessment team is on the ground and working with the UN, US and others to determine priorities for these funds.

According to Alexander said: “It is now clear that the international community is dealing with an almost unprecedented level of devastation.

“Our initial assessments show a level of humanitarian need which would severely test the international response in any circumstances. But the impact of this earthquake is magnified because it has hit a country that was already desperately poor and historically volatile.

“To address the needs of the immediate humanitarian response the UK Government will pledge a further $20 million, on top of the $10 million initially donated.”

Alexander who praised the generosity of the British public in responding to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal by donating £15 million.

“The British people have once again shown their compassion and generosity by giving this enormous support to the Disasters Emergency Committee. I would encourage people to keep on giving what they can.”

Meanwhile, DFID has despatched a team of 64 search and rescue experts from fire services around the UK.

They are already in Haiti assisting where they are most needed, saving lives and linking up with the international effort to share expertise.