Major earthquake hits near Haitian capital
By Brian Wagner
A massive earthquake has struck near the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, causing damage across the impoverished region. Experts say it is the largest quake to hit the area in some 200 years.
Experts with the U.S. Geological Survey say the earthquake struck about 10 kilometers from Port-au-Prince on Tuesday afternoon. The initial quake registered at magnitude 7 on the Richter Scale and was followed by several other shocks, including one that measures 5.9.
Julie Dutton is a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey:
"It is a pretty significant earthquake," said Julie Dutton. "Given the size and location, we are anticipating some significant damage from the region."
According to wire service reports, witnesses say a hospital in the capital collapsed and that many buildings were damaged. Additional information from the island has been slow in coming, as telephone service from abroad has been disrupted.
Geophysicist Julie Dutton says she expects the damage to be severe, partly because the region is not accustomed to major quakes.
"This is actually the largest earthquake we have seen in the last 200 years in this region," she said. "There has not been a earthquake of Magnitude 6 range since the 1970s."
The quake was also felt in Dominican Republic which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Residents there say some people ran out of their homes as the quake rattled walls and windows.
In Washington, the White House announced that President Barack Obama is "closely monitoring the situation" and that the United States stands "ready to assist the people of Haiti."
Comments