Haiti quake death toll rises to 1,419, injured now at 6,000
The preliminary toll of the 7.2 magnitude quake that struck southwestern Haiti rose Monday to 1,419 dead and more than 6,900 injured, according to the country's civil protection agency. The powerful quake, which struck early Saturday, also destroyed more than 37,000 homes, officials said.
- World
- AP
- Published Date: 12:13 | 17 August 2021
- Modified Date: 12:21 | 17 August 2021
The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Haiti over the weekend has risen to 1,419, while the number of injured people has grown to 6,000, the Caribbean nation's Civil Protection Agency said Monday.
The earthquake destroyed thousands of homes, offices, homes, churches and other structures. And the devastation could soon worsen with the coming of Tropical Depression Grace, predicted to reach Haiti on Monday night with strong winds, heavy rain, mudslides and flash flooding. Rainfall could reach 15 inches (38 centimeters) in some areas.
"We are working now to ensure that the resources we have now are going to get to the places that are hardest hit," said Jerry Chandler, head of the agency, said.
He referred to the Haitian provinces of Cayes, Jeremie and Nippe, which are in the country's southwestern portion.