LES CAYES – The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck southwest Haiti on Saturday has climbed to 1,941, reported the island’s Civil Protection Agency (CPA) yesterday.
According to Xinhua, the agency tweeted that the 7.2-magnitude quake left more than 9,900 people injured, and that rescue operations are ongoing in the hardest-hit areas.
“We have registered 1,941 deaths: 1,597 in the South, 205 in Grand’Anse, 137 in Nippes and 2 in the Northwest.”
Most of the injuries were registered in the South department, where more than 80% of fatalities were reported.
The quake is one of the strongest to ever hit the country, destroying houses and buildings, and leading to the collapse of its hospital network.
CPA said over 84,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, and some 60,000 people displaced.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement yesterday pledged the world body’s support for Haiti in the aftermath of the disaster.
“I have a message to the people of Haiti: you are not alone. We will stand by your side and support you every step of the way out of this crisis.” – Bernama, August 18, 2021
