GE has earmarked $2.5 million for earthquake relief in Haiti following January’s devastating earthquake. GE has already shipped out solar-powered water purification units. The technology effectively treats groundwater, surface-water and recycled rainwater or cistern water. The units are solar-powered, portable, and able to produce clean water for drinking using membrane treatment technology used by large scale treatment plants.

The World Bank is providing an additional US$100m in emergency funds to Haiti and is considering a special reconstruction trust fund so donors can co-ordinate aid.

"This is a shocking event and it is crucial that the international community supports the Haitian people at this critical time," reports the bank's president, Robert Zoellick. "The World Bank is mobilising significant financial assistance and sending a team to help assess damage and reconstruction needs."

An estimated 1.5 million people are homeless while the death toll from the earthquake has risen to an estimated 300,000. The island’s infrastructure, such as roads, water, communications and power have all been severely affected. Standby power generators have been supplied to most areas but are being hampered by fuel shortage and a lack of intact transmission lines. Aid and electricity supply equipment remain in short supply.