At least 227 killed in Haiti Earthquake; Rescue Operation Underway, Extent of damage not known yet

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Port-au-Prince
Photo: Prensa Latina Agencia

At least 227 people have been killed in Haiti, following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the Caribbean island on Saturday.

According to the authorities in Haiti, hundreds have been injured and have gone missing after the earthquake. Prime minister  Ariel Henry said that the aid is being rushed towards the damaged areas where towns have been destroyed.

Hospitals have been overwhelmed with patients after the injuries due to the earthquake.

The Haitian Civil Protection Agency said that the death toll currently stood at 227. The agency said via Twitter that the Rescuers were able to pull many people safely out of the Rubble.

The earthquake was epi-centered about 78 miles west of the capital of Port-au-Prince. 

Prime Minister Henry declared one month of state of emergency in the country and said the nation will not be asking for international help until the extent of damage is known.

He also appealed for national unity and said International Red Cross and hospitals are helping those injured in the quake.

"The needs are enormous. We must take care of the injured and fractured, but also provide food, aid, temporary shelter, and psychological support," he said.

U.S. President Joe Biden authorized an immediate response and named USAID Administrator Samantha Power as the senior official coordinating the U.S effort to help Haiti. USAID will help to assess the damage and assist in rebuilding, said Biden, who called the United States a "close and enduring friend to the people of Haiti."

Countries including Argentina, Chile, Cuba, etc. have offered help to the Latin American nation following the earthquake.

Cuba was the major helper to Haiti when the country was struck by a dangerous 7.5 magnitude earthquake in 2010.

Publish : 2021-08-15 08:51:00

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