Haiti Earthquake: 304 killed, 1000 Injured In Wake Of 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake

A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southwestern Haiti on Saturday. It killed at least 304 people and injured more than 1000. The US Geological Survey said that the epicentre of the quake was about 125 kilometres (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince.

Prayers for the people of #Haiti, who just endured a 7.2 earthquake.🙏🏼#haitiearthquake pic.twitter.com/CUr3x4rVTZ

— Dena Grayson, MD, PhD (@DrDenaGrayson) August 14, 2021

Widespread damage was reported with many buildings turning to rubble. Rescue workers and bystanders were able to pull many people to safety from the rubble. They were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste reported Gabriel Fortuné, a lawmaker and former mayor of Les Cayes was killed. He died along with several others when his hotel, Le Manguier, collapsed.

This is what 7.2 Magnitude #earthquake look like. #Haiti n Carribean countries badly effected. Strong #tsunami alerted across the region. #Haiti #haitiearthquake. Sty safe people.🙏 pic.twitter.com/Ts0DAclz0K

— Hollo Smith (@HolloSmith) August 14, 2021

Videos posted to social media showed collapsed buildings near the epicentre and people running into the streets.

#BREAKING: A massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake has struck #Haiti, sparking fears of a regional tsunami. Many recall the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti 11 years ago, killing thousands of people and devastating the country. #haitiearthquakepic.twitter.com/IQlhzcfQVR

— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) August 14, 2021

Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he was rushing aid to areas where towns were destroyed and hospitals overwhelmed with incoming patients. He has also declared a one-month state of emergency for the whole country.

The disaster struck about a month after the assassination of the president. The quake is set to deepen crisis in a country battling hunger, poverty and violence.

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