In Haiti, recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of the latest devastating tropical storm. Haiti’s third-largest city, Gonaives, remains mostly under water. Food and fresh water supplies are said to be running low for tens of thousands of people living on their rooftops, in the streets or emergency shelters. The United Nations has launched a $108 million appeal for emergency humanitarian aid. On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino announced the Bush administration would commit just $10 million — half of it already pledged.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino: “Finally, the United States government will dedicate $10 million to immediate disaster assistance to Haiti, following Hurricane Gustav, Hanna and Ike. Of this amount, $5 million is new funding pledged for program in the past week. Our support includes provision of relief supplies, transportation and logistics to deliver relief and ongoing damage assessments. Our highest priority is to help deliver urgently needed relief supplies to communities which are now cut off from overland access.”

As many as 1,000 Haitians have died and nearly a million displaced in four major storms and hurricanes in less than a month.