A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southwestern Haiti on Saturday. It killed at least 304 people and injured more than 1000. The US Geological Survey said that the epicentre of the quake was about 125 kilometres (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince.
Widespread damage was reported with many buildings turning to rubble. Rescue workers and bystanders were able to pull many people to safety from the rubble. They were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste reported Gabriel Fortuné, a lawmaker and former mayor of Les Cayes was killed. He died along with several others when his hotel, Le Manguier, collapsed.
Videos posted to social media showed collapsed buildings near the epicentre and people running into the streets.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he was rushing aid to areas where towns were destroyed and hospitals overwhelmed with incoming patients. He has also declared a one-month state of emergency for the whole country.
The disaster struck about a month after the assassination of the president. The quake is set to deepen crisis in a country battling hunger, poverty and violence.