Haiti Earthquake: Powerful earthquake wreaks havoc, so far 304 people killed, hundreds injured and missing
World Desk
Due to the earthquake, the suffering of the people of Haiti, already badly affected by Corona, has increased even more. The nation is likewise in trouble due to the assassination of the President of the country and the deepening poverty.
A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck southwest Haiti on Saturday, causing buildings to collapse and at least 304 people dead. It is being told that at least 1,800 people have been injured. Hundreds of houses collapsed due to the earthquake, due to which people have come on the streets.
Several cities were completely devastated by Saturday’s earthquake and landslides hampered rescue operations between the two worst-hit communities. Due to the earthquake, the suffering of the people of Haiti, already badly affected by the corona virus epidemic, has increased even more. The nation is likewise in trouble due to the assassination of the President of the country and the deepening poverty.
The US Geological Survey said that the epicenter of the quake is about 125 kilometers from the capital Port au Prince. The crisis could worsen early next week as Hurricane Grace could reach Haiti by Monday or Tuesday.
Tremors were felt throughout the day and night after the earthquake. Homeless people, people whose homes are on the verge of collapse, spent the night on the streets in the open.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry said help is being sent to places where cities have been devastated and hospitals filled with patients.
Jerry Chandler, the director of Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency, said the death toll stood at 304 and that most casualties were in the south of the country. The agency said that the process of bringing the injured to hospitals is on. At least 860 houses were destroyed and more than 700 were damaged, he said.
The prime minister has declared a month-long state of emergency across the country and said he will not seek international help until the damage is assessed. He said that some cities have been completely destroyed.
He said the International Red Cross and hospitals in the affected areas were taking care of the injured. He appealed to the people of Haiti to unite at this time, saying that the needs are immense. We have to look after the injured, provide food, support, temporary shelter and psychological support.
US President Joe Biden has appointed USAID Administrator Samantha Power as the coordinating officer for US aid to Haiti. USAID will help assess the damage and rebuild. Many countries including Argentina, Chile have offered help.
