Brussels, 08/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - EU stands ready to help Haiti in aftermath of hurricane Tomas. On Friday evening 5 November, the authorities of this country devastated by the earthquake of 12 January and struggling to cope with a cholera outbreak, formally requested tents, mosquito nets, and hygiene and water purification kits. Seven countries, members of the EU civil protection mechanism, immediately offered assistance through the European Commission's Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC). An assessment of needs on the ground will be completed by Tuesday 9 November and this will mean that the assistance offered can be most effectively deployed, a source close to the Commission has said. (A.N./transl.rt)