UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Nations is stepping up its aid to the United States in the recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Thursday.

    According to the spokesman, three UN teams are working with theUS government on the ground while specialized food, health and children's agencies are preparing to send in help through nongovernmental organizations.

    Working closely with the US Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, an initial UN presence has now been established in Atlanta and is moving to Baton Rouge Louisiana with a staff of eight, Dujarric said.

    The United Nations also has a presence in Denton, Texas, with six staff on the ground. Both teams are working with the US Federal Emergency Management Agency's Regional Coordination Centers, he added.

    In addition, UN logistics staff are also at the Little Rock AirForce Base, the staging area for incoming international assistance,Dujarric noted. Enditem