A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti Tuesday, January 13th bringing widespread destruction to property as city officials braced for casualty reports. The quake was centered only 10 miles south west from the capital of Port-au-Prince and was the largest recorded in two centuries. Many large buildings were reduced to rubble including government facilities such as the Presidential Palace. The poorest neighborhoods had simply crumbled into dust due to poor construction. There was chaos in the streets as night fell while many were screaming and shouting as they searched for loved ones in the devastation trying to dig out survivors with bare hands and torches. Haiti’s envoy to the United States has called the earthquake a “catastrophe” and estimated the cost of the damage could run into the billions.
Operation Blessing has mobilized an emergency response team to provide relief for the victims. Help support Operation Blessing’s disaster relief efforts in Haiti by making a donation of £25 or more now.