Haiti’s Been Hit By A Massive Earthquake, Killing Over 1,290

Haitian people are trying to navigate through the wreckage after the western part of Hispanola was struck by a massive earthquake.

By Donovan Martin

On August 14, 2021, a deadly, 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, killing at least 1,297 people and injuring over 5,700. This earthquake devastated not only the terrain on the western part of Hispanola island. Buildings such as houses, churches, hotels, hospitals and schools were damaged or destroyed. What few hospitals remain are overcrowded, with thousands enduring immense heat outdoors.

With over 13,000 homes destroyed, many citizens were evacuated to less affected areas. In Ley Cayes, the most affected town, over 90,000 emergency workers came to help save civilians or recover bodies. Nations including the Dominican Republic and Mexico sent urgently needed resources such as food and medicines while Colombia sent search and rescue personnel. The United States deployed a search-and-rescue team.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the leader succeeding the assassinated Jovenel Moïse, announced a one-month state of emergency for Haiti, saying, “The most important thing is to recover as many survivors as possible under the rubble. We have learned that the local hospitals, in particular that of Les Cayes, are overwhelmed with wounded, fractured people.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau tweeted, “On behalf of Canadians, Minister @KarinaGould & I express our solidarity with the people of #Haiti who continue to endure the devastation caused by natural disasters. We are ready to assist.” The minister goes on to say that Canada will supply supplies. This aid will likely be money, for Canada sent $1.5 billion to Haiti in 2010.

This earthquake was worse than the 2010 earthquake by 0.2 degrees on the Richter Scale, an earthquake the island nation is still recovering from. And the devastation is yet to cease. The tropical depression Grace is moving towards Haiti, arriving on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Though it is no longer classified as a hurricane, Grace will still cause great harm to the Caribbean country.

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