Hundreds of people were killed in a powerful earthquake in Haiti, while many buildings were reduced to rubble.
According to the United States Geological Survey, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred 12 kilometers south of the Haitian peninsula at a depth of 10 kilometers.
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook the region, according to reports. The earthquake killed at least 304 people and injured hundreds more. While relief operations are being carried out in the affected areas.
Haiti’s new prime minister, Ariel Henry, said in a Twitter message that the earthquake had caused “numerous deaths and serious damage” in various parts of the country. He said he would use all government resources to help the victims, calling the situation dramatic and calling on the nation to show solidarity and unity.
The prime minister declared a month-long state of emergency in the country and said he will not appeal for international aid until damages are determined. He said that some places along the coast have been completely destroyed and the government is preparing a plan to rehabilitate them.
Haiti’s director of civil protection Jerry Chandler told the Associated Press that the earthquake had killed 29 people so far and that rescue teams would be dispatched to different areas to assess further damage.
On the other hand, according to a statement issued by the White House, US President Joe Biden and his Vice President Kamala Harris were informed about the earthquake in Haiti on Saturday and assured Haiti of aid and full cooperation while Chile and Argentina, including several countries. they have also offered help.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake is expected to cause widespread death and destruction. The epicenter was reported at a magnitude of 7.6, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Center.
The US Geological Survey also issued a tsunami warning after the earthquake, saying that waves up to three meters high could rise in the tsunami, but later withdrew the warning.
Previously, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake shook the country in 2018 and killed more than a dozen people, but a devastating earthquake in 2010 killed 200,000 people.
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