Earthquake and deadly aftershock kill 12 in Haiti

At least 12 are dead and up to 188 are injured as the result of a magnitude 5.9 earthquake that shook northern Haiti on Saturday night, the country's interior ministry said Sunday. The deadly earthquake was followed by a 5.2 magnitude aftershock that struck Haiti while survivors shifted through the rubble and debris from the day before.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, is still recovering from the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake that killed 220,000 and destroyed much of Port-au-Prince, the country’s capital city. More recently, Haiti found itself in the path of Hurricane Matthew in 2016 that left at least 336 people dead.

Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant said a crisis team has been created to coordinate all emergency responses to Saturday night's earthquake. He tweeted:

"Damage has been recorded mainly in the Far North. All my sympathies to the victims. The executive at the highest level is mobilised to provide appropriate answers. I call on the population to be cautious and calm."

Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday extended condolences to Haiti’s people and government, and said the United Nations stands ready to help with the response in a statement issued by Mr. Guterres’ spokesperson:

“The Secretary-General is saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life and injuries caused by the earthquake in north-west Haiti on 6 October. The United Nations stands ready to support the Government of Haiti in the response efforts.”

Search and rescue efforts continue as officials hope the death toll remains at 12. President Jovenel Moise urged people to donate blood and asked international aid agencies to coordinate with local agencies to avoid duplicated efforts. President Moise also tweeted that civil protection workers are working to assist people in the affected areas.

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Photo Credit: Dieu Nalio Chery AP Photo