A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit near Haiti on Saturday morning, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Saturday’s massive earthquake raising fears of destruction similar to the devastating 2010 quake that shattered the country. Several deaths have already been reported, official tally is yet to come.
The epicenter of the earthquake was 12 kilometers, or 7.5 miles, northeast of Saint-Louis-du-Sud and 10 kilometers deep, according to the USGS. It struck five miles from the town of Petit-Trou-de-Nippes in the western part of the country, the survey said.
The US Geological Survey is estimating “high casualties” and widespread disaster in Haiti following a magnitude 7.2 earthquake Saturday morning.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Red alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread. Past red alerts have required a national or international response,” USGS said.
“I extend my sympathies to the parents of the victims of this violent earthquake which caused several losses of human and material lives in several geographical departments of the country,” Ariel Henry, Haiti’s prime minister, said in a translated tweet. The exact death toll is unknown.
“We will make the necessary arrangements to assist people affected by the earthquake in the Southern Peninsula. We must show a lot of solidarity with regard to the emergency. The government will declare a state of emergency. We will act quickly,” another tweet read.
Disaster experts are on the ground assessing damage & needs, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID) tweeted.
The Embassy of the Republic of Haiti also said in a press release that the emergency responses are underway, and damages are being assessed.
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