HAITI : At least 227 people have died after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit near Haiti Saturday morning, according to the country’s civil protection service.
The earthquake was about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northeast of Saint-Louis-du-Sud and 10 kilometers deep (about 6 miles deep), according to the US Geological Survey.
The USGS is estimating “high casualties” and widespread disaster.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has declared a state of emergency, which will last for one month.
Sacred Heart church is damaged after an earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, on August 14, 2021.
· The earthquake was about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northeast of Saint-Louis-du-Sud and 10 kilometers deep (about 6 miles deep), according to the US Geological Survey. Aftershocks continue to be felt in Haiti, with the largest being a magnitude of 5.2.
· Rescue groups are on the ground assessing damage. There is “significant damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure,” according to American Red Cross spokeswoman Katie Wilkes.
· Tropical Storm Grace is expected to impact the region early next week. Tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding are expected from Monday into Tuesday.
· Haiti has also recently been rocked by other crises, including food insecurity during the Covid-19 pandemic and the assassination of its President Jovenel Moise. (CNN and agencies)
