Washington, March 10 (DPA) US President Barack Obama warned Wednesday that the situation in Haiti remains 'dire' and called on the world to step up its efforts in the earthquake devastated Caribbean nation.

'People should be under no illusions that the crisis is over,' Obama said after meeting with Haitian President Rene Preval at the White House.

More than 220,000 people were killed in the magnitude-7.0 earthquake that destroyed much of Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas Jan 12.

Preval was in Washington ahead of the March 31 international donors conference to raise money for Haiti's redevelopment.

There is still a 'desperate need' for food, medicine and shelter and with the spring rainy season on the way the situation could grow worse, Obama said.

'The challenge now is to prevent a second disaster,' Obama said.