The earthquake tears down houses. (Photo: Reuters)

Ongoing search and rescue operations have been hindered by a shortage of equipment and heavy downpours as tropical storm Grace battered Haiti, triggering landslides and blocking transportation. 

Flooding and mudslides are likely to worsen the situation of vulnerable families and further complicate the humanitarian response, said UNICEF in a press release on Tuesday.

Several countries and humanitarian organizations announced on Tuesday that they are scaling up their aid to Haiti.  USAID is deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team to lead the government's response efforts. The UN and the EU will spend 12 million USD to assist Haiti’s recovery.