New Delhi: A powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck southwest Haiti on Saturday, causing buildings to collapse and resulted in the death of at least 304 people. At least 1800 people have been injured. Due to the earthquake, hundreds of houses have collapsed. The earthquake caused people to take to the streets and they helped rescuers evacuate people buried in the rubble of houses, hotels, and other structures.
Several cities have been completely devastated by Saturday's earthquake, and landslides are affecting rescue operations between two communities badly affected by the earthquake. Due to the earthquake, the suffering of the people of Haiti, who were already badly affected by the Corona Virus epidemic, has increased even more. The nation is already in crisis with the assassination of the president of the country and the deepening poverty.
Crisis expected to escalated
The Earthquake epicentre was about 125 kilometers from the capital Port and Prince. The crisis could escalate further early next week as Hurricane Grace could reach Haiti by Monday or Tuesday. Tremors were felt throughout the day and till night after the earthquake. Homeless people, people whose homes are on the verge of collapse, spent the whole night in open on the road.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry said help is being sent to places where cities have been devastated and hospitals are full of patients. Jerry Chandler, director of Haiti's civil defense agency, said that the death toll is 304 and the highest number of casualties is in the south of the country. The hospitals are continuing to bring the injured. About 860 houses were destroyed and more than 700 damaged.
US President Joe Biden has appointed USAID administrator Samantha Power as coordinator officer to provide US help to Haiti. USAID will help in assessment and rebuild the damage. Many countries, including Argentina, Chile, have offered help.