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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 struck Haiti, an island country in the Caribbean in North Central America, and the number of casualties continues to rise. It is said to be stronger than the 2010 Haiti earthquake, which killed more than 200,000 people, and the damage is expected to be even greater.
This is reporter Jeong Hye-kyung.
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One side of the building collapsed and fell obliquely, while the other building was shattered beyond recognition, leaving only rubble.
Those injured were either sitting or lying on the street.
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 occurred in western Haiti around 8:30 am on the 14th (local time) yesterday (14th).
At least 304 people have been killed in the quake so far, Haiti officials said.
Tropical Typhoon Grace is moving toward Haiti amidst the fear of aftershocks, raising concerns about additional damage.
Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henri has declared a state of emergency immediately and said he will take all necessary measures.
U.S. President Biden also authorized and ordered action on the U.S. government's immediate response to the earthquake in Haiti.
In 2010, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, killing at least 200,000 people and displacing a third of the population.
This earthquake is known to be more powerful and has a shallower epicenter, so there are predictions that it could be a bigger disaster.
About 150 Korean residents, including business expatriates and missionaries, also live in Haiti, but it is reported that there have been no confirmed damages yet.