Haiti, already grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods and a legacy of natural disasters, faces further adversity as a powerful earthquake strikes the country, leaving death and destruction in its wake.
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A powerful 4.9-magnitude earthquake struck southern Haiti on Tuesday, exacerbating the country’s recent problems with heavy flooding over the weekend. At least four people were killed and 36 injured in an earthquake near the southwestern coastal town of Jeremie.
The US Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers). The Haiti Disaster Management Agency said the quake destroyed two homes and rendered impassable a key road connecting Jeremie and Les Cayes. Among the victims were three members of the same family who were found under a collapsed house. Rescuers continue to search for survivors as several injured children are hospitalized.
Claude Prepetit, a geologist and engineer with the Haiti Department of Mines and Energy, suggested that a smaller earthquake in southern Haiti earlier this year may have contributed to the creation of this more severe quake.
The quake follows a devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck the country nearly two years ago, killing more than 2,200 people and wreaking havoc. The disaster has left many displaced persons without permanent shelter
The quake comes as Haiti is already dealing with the aftermath of heavy rains and flooding that have killed at least 42 people and displaced thousands. Floods flooded rivers and caused devastating landslides, adding to the challenges facing the country.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry appealed for international aid to support recovery efforts. A frequency of natural disasters hit Haiti. A series of flash floods, earthquakes and landslides occurred within days. “Disasters keep hitting Haiti, left and right. People have not had sufficient time to recover from previous disasters,” said Project Hope Haiti Director Didinu Tamakloe
The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have already launched relief efforts to provide aid to affected communities. However, the situation is made even more difficult by continued insecurity and infrastructure damage, hampering relief efforts.
Already suffering from political instability, gang violence and widespread hunger, Haiti now faces the daunting task of coping with earthquake and flood disasters. With more than 5.2 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, the country is in a precarious position.
As Haiti mourns the lives lost and assesses the damage caused by recent disasters, international support and solidarity will be essential if the country is to recover and come out stronger than before.Â
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