New York, Apr 1 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Dozens of countries and organisations have pledged to give $10 billion to quake-hit Haiti in the next 10 years, the UN said.

Of that amount, some $5.3 billion will be provided within the next 18 months. The sum is well above the $3.9 billion sought initially for that period.

"Today, the international community has come together, dramatically, in solidarity with Haiti and its people... Today, the United Nations are united for Haiti," the UN News Centre quoted Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as saying.

Earlier, the global body had asked immediate aid for the poverty-stricken Caribbean nation, which was hit by a devastating earthquake Jan 12. The quake and its aftershocks killed over 220,000 people in and around the capital Port-au-Prince, leaving most of the country in shambles.

"The rainy season is fast approaching. Some camps for displaced persons are at risk of flooding. Health and sanitation issues are growing more serious," Ban said.

Haitian president Rene Preval said: "The international community has done their part. Now it is up to the Haitian people to do theirs".