Massive earthquake devastates Haiti
January 13, 2010
The death toll is already expected to run into the hundreds after an earthquake devastated the island of Haiti. The quake which measured 7.0 on the Richter scale was followed by two after shocks measuring 5.9 and 5.5. The island’s capital of Port-au-Prince was only 10 miles from the epicenter of the quake and is said to be covered in debris. One eyewitness claims that many of the streets are now blocked and that there are dozens of dead as well as injured people. It is understood that the presidential palace in Port-au-Prince has been destroyed and that a hospital in Petionville which is close to the capital has also collapsed as well as a three storey building. There are reports that telephone lines have come down and that communications failure is hampering the coordination of rescue efforts.
A missionary on the island has described how there is a dust cloud over the capital and emergency workers were desperately needed. He said that those coming to Haiti to help with the disaster would have to bring all the supplies needed because the impoverished island was not going to be able to provide very much. He also said that the island’s supply of clean water was going to become an issue.
President Obama has already announced that the U.S. is willing to offer whatever help is needed. In an additional statement Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said that the U.S. was standing by to assist with both military and civilian personnel. She added that America’s prayers were going out to all those effected.
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