In the Caribbean nation of Haiti, powerful underground tremors have caused extensive damage to housing and infrastructure, leaving 1 419 people dead and many others injured, British broadcaster BBC reports.
The quake shook the south-east of the country on Saturday, August 14. Homes, churches and schools were among buildings flattened in the quake. Some hospitals were left overwhelmed and in need of supplies as they struggled to treat the injured.
At least 1,419 people are known to have died in the 7.2-magnitude quake, over 6,900 Haitians were injured and an unknown number are still unaccounted for.
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The Haitian government has declared a state of emergency as the country faces a tropical storm, which could trigger landslides. Search and rescue workers have been arriving from the United States and Chile, with more on the way from Mexico, while local and Cuban medical teams are already in Haiti and helping people.
Humanitarian organisations have stated that survivors need drinking water and shelter. More than 30,000 families have reportedly been left homeless following Saturday’s earthquake, BBC reports.
