Deadly Earthquake Strikes Western Haiti Amidst Devastating Flooding

A powerful earthquake in western Haiti has resulted in at least four deaths and 36 injuries, according to civil protection authorities. The quake struck while the country was already grappling with deadly floods. Many houses in the city of Jérémie were cracked, with some poorly constructed homes collapsing entirely. The catastrophe claimed the lives of a 19-year-old woman’s husband and younger sister, leaving her distraught. The earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 4.9, occurred near the southwest peninsula of this earthquake-prone Caribbean nation.

Rescue efforts were immediately initiated, and the injured received initial medical care. Some patients were airlifted to the capital, while one critically injured individual is being treated in intensive care. Soitmil Lorreus, the emergency department head at the public Saint-Antoine Hospital, anticipates receiving more wounded individuals from remote areas. Search and rescue operations persisted throughout the day to locate any trapped survivors beneath the rubble. Most of the victims resided in the impoverished Sainte Hélène neighborhood of Jérémie.

The United Nations expressed condolences for the loss of lives, destruction, and suffering endured by the Haitian population due to the earthquake. The southwestern peninsula of Haiti had previously been devastated by a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake in August 2021, claiming over 2,200 lives and destroying more than 130,000 homes. In 2010, a magnitude 7 earthquake resulted in over 200,000 deaths and left 1.5 million people homeless, reducing the capital, Port-au-Prince, to ruins. Additionally, severe weather conditions over the weekend claimed the lives of at least 51 people, with 18 reported missing and 140 injured.

The United Nations’ World Food Programme is preparing to distribute approximately 350,000 meals and other food aid to those in urgent need. However, assistance operations are hampered by insecurity and damage to roads, as the country grapples with gang violence. The recent earthquake and flooding have compounded the challenges faced by Haiti, requiring swift international support to aid the affected population and help rebuild devastated communities.

→ READ ALSO : Pope Francis to Undergo Emergency Surgery for Intestinal Obstruction

→ READ ALSO : Acclaimed Actor Michel Vuillermoz Hospitalized, Forcing Theatre Return Delay

→ READ ALSO : Liang Shi, a 56-year-old millionaire, is attempting to pass his high school graduation exam for the 27th time

Sur cette plateforme, vous trouverez également des bourses d'étude

Consulter ici

X