Major earthquake in Haiti felt across Caribbean, residents panic and flee homes

PORT-AU-PRINCE/ HAVANA: On Saturday, August 14, 2021, a major earthquake struck western Haiti and sent shock waves across the Caribbean. So violent was the aftereffect of the shake that many people were reported to have fled their homes for fear that the buildings might collapse on them. The shake also sparked a regional tsunami warning. But, the warning has since been withdrawn. 

As per the latest report in Reuters, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck 5 miles from the town of Petit Trou de Nippes, about 93.2057 km west of the capital Port-au-Prince, at a depth of 6.21371 miles, the US Geological Survey said.

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The 7.2 magnitude earthquake was bigger but shallower than the earthquake that struck Haiti 11 years ago, which killed thousands of people, flattened buildings and left many people homeless. At the moment, there were no official reports of injuries or deaths in Haiti. However, images posted on social media show how homes and part of a church in the nearby town of Jeremie were reduced to rubble.

Daniel Ross, a resident in the eastern Cuban city of Guantanamo reportedly said, "Everyone is really afraid. It's been years since such a big earthquake." He added that while his home stood firm, the furniture shook. As per the report, Cuban authorities said there were no reports of material damage, deaths or injuries. In Jamaica, residents also felt the quake. 49-year-old Danny Bailey in Kingston said, "I feel it, man. It wake me up. My roof kind of make some noise."

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) also reported a quake in the region, saying it was magnitude 7.6. Cuba's seismological centre, on the other hand, said it registered a magnitude of 7.4. The US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami warning after the quake. However, it was reportedly repealed after some time. "Update: U.S. TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM SAYS TSUNAMI THREAT FROM EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI REGION HAS PASSED AND THERE IS NO FURTHER THREAT," a Reuters journalist tweeted. 

Several (unverified) posts on Twitter reveal just how bad the situation is in Haiti. "I haven’t even heard anything on TV yet! These people are literally buried under this massive destruction and crying for their lives like literally….Haiti earthquake…Haiti needs help prayers" Another user wrote, "Haiti has endured so much. Political turbulence, natural disaster after natural disaster, foreign meddling, humanitarian crisis, and today, another massive earthquake (7.2). Strength with the people"