Haiti Earthquake Update: Thousands Left Homeless
At 5:30 PM local time an earthquake rocked the island nation of Haiti. The tremor was too strong that it was even felt as far away as Cuba. Scientists have confirmed that that quake reached magnitude 7.0 in the Richter scale. Buildings were destroyed, people are left homeless, and hundreds if not thousands are feared to be dead. Search and rescue missions are hindered because immediately after the quake, communications went down.
Scientists stated that the tremor was the result of the Caribbean plate moving away from the North American plate. The resulting quake is estimated to be the strongest to have hit Haiti or the Caribbean islands for that matter in 200 years.
Since the tragedy struck after hours, it is not easy to determine how many people were trapped in office buildings confirmed to have gone down. This includes the UN building in the country which is confirmed to have gone down. The presidential palace also suffered the same fate.
Early reports have already stated that thousands are left homeless by the tragedy and that hundreds could be dead buried under tons of rubble from the building that collapsed. Search and rescue efforts may be hindered by the communications being down but those who can are helping people trapped under buildings. Reports have stated that even civilians with flashlights are helping rescue units to locate and rescue people under the rubble.
Large number of people is also reported to have gathered in public areas to sing hymns and comfort each other. People are also hesitant to stay indoors as aftershocks continue to rock the ravaged areas. The total damage left by the earthquake cannot be estimated yet because a comprehensive picture of the scene is yet to be completed. It is safe to say though that it would take a lot of time to heal the people of the country after a tragedy of such proportions.
Original Story: Haiti Earthquake Update
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One Response to “Haiti Earthquake Update: Thousands Left Homeless”
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i have several relatives who were also vicitimized by the earthquake in Haiti. thank God that they were not seriously hurt. i hope and pray that Haiti would be able to recover soon from this disaster.