Haiti faces a housing crisis, with more than 1 million homeless and the rainy season approaching, the UN humanitarian chief said Tuesday.

"I'm aware there is a major issue coming down the track -- that is the rainy season and in particular the hurricane season," said John Holmes, UN deputy secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator. "Shelter is now the top priority."

According to the International Organization for Migration, transitional shelter is urgently needed, including tarpaulins, plastic sheeting, tools and ropes that provide more weather-proof and durable shelter in the mouths to come.

Holmes admitted the need for transitional housing was a major challenge and they didn't have a perfect solution.

(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2010)