Powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits Haiti
Kathmandu, Aug 15. A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.2 hit Haiti on Saturday. The earthquake has killed at least 304 people and injured 1,800.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter of the quake was about 125 kilometers west of the capital of Port-au-Prince. The widespread damage could worsen by early next week, with Tropical Storm Grace predicted to reach Haiti late Monday or early Tuesday.
Aftershocks are said to be felt day and night, and people are scared as their homes have been collapsed, forcing them to sleep in streets. Six aftershocks have been felt since late Saturday, which was up to magnitude 5.0.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry said that he was providing aid to areas of urgent need and where hospitals have been crowded. He has declared a one-month state of emergency for the whole country, adding that he would not ask for international help until the extent of the damages was known.
Henry said, “The most important thing is to recover as many survivors as possible under the rubble. We have learned that the local hospitals, in particular that of Les Cayes, are overwhelmed with wounded, fractured people.”
A UNICEF spokesman in Port-au-Prince said that they can only fly over or take another route as nobody can travel through the area.
Countries such as US, Argentina and Chile are amongst the first to have pledged to help.
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