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       Moment woman and child rescued from rubble after Haiti quake

       Haiti is facing the threat of a tropical storm bringing heavy rains and strong winds just days after a devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the country on Saturday, killing more than 700 people.

       There are fears that Tropical Storm Grace, which is projected to hit the island between Monday and Tuesday, could hamper rescue efforts.

       Officials registered at least 724 fatalities and more than 2,800 people injured on Sunday afternoon from the quake, as they assessed the extensive damage to homes and buildings.

       The quake comes over a decade after a disastrous 7.0-magnitude shock in 2010 that struck closer to the country’s capital of Port-au-Prince, killing an estimated 220,000 people.

       Ariel Henry, the country’s prime minister, said on Saturday that local hospitals, particularly in the city of Les Cayes, were “overwhelmed with wounded, fractured people”.

       President Joe Biden announced on Saturday that his administration would authorize “an immediate US response” and named USAID director Samantha Power, the former US ambassador to the UN, to lead the effort. Other nations have offered aid as well, including Mexico whose president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, said on Sunday that federal assistance was on the way.

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       Key Points Earthquake death toll rises to 724, report says Haiti at risk from Tropical Storm Grace just days after earthquake US, other nations offer disaster relief assistance

       Show latest update 1629016374

       Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the aftermath from yesterday’s earthquake in Haiti.

       Conrad Duncan 15 August 2021 09:32

       1629016922 Hundreds dead after 7.2-magnitude earthquake devastates Haiti

       More than 300 people have been killed after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, just days before a tropical storm is expected to make landfall on the island.

       The US Geographical Survey has issued a “red alert” for the disaster, warning that fatalities could stretch into the thousands with extensive damage expected.

       Our reporters, Chiara Giordano and Sabrina Johnson, have the full story below:

       Hundreds dead after 7.2-magnitude quake devastates island US Geographical Survey issues ‘red alert’, warning fatalities could stretch into thousands

       Conrad Duncan 15 August 2021 09:42

       1629017456 Shock will ‘bring back trauma’ from 2010 earthquake, ActionAid says

       The earthquake in Haiti on Saturday will have “brought back the trauma” of the 2010 shock that killed tens of thousands of people in the country, ActionAid has warned.

       The international poverty charity said on Sunday that emergency teams were assessing urgent needs and preparing to respond to the natural disaster.

       “Today brings back the trauma of the 2010 earthquake that tore Haiti apart. This deadly quake has destroyed homes and infrastructure in some of Haiti’s most vulnerable and marginalised communities,” Angeline Annesteus, country director of ActionAid Haiti, said.

       “In Jérémie, one of the areas most affected, our team is helping with rescue efforts as families desperately try to pull loved ones from the rubble. Sadly, we expect the death toll to continue to rise.

       “We are assessing what people need most urgently and preparing to respond by providing food, temporary shelter and essential items such as blankets and hygiene kits for women and girls.”

       Ms Annesteus added: “Women and girls are already bearing the brunt of the multiple crises facing Haiti, including rising hunger, political instability and gang violence.

       “The devastating fallout from this earthquake, could push many more families into poverty and hunger.”

       Conrad Duncan 15 August 2021 09:50

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       US president Joe Biden has said his administration will offer support to Haiti as part of efforts to recover survivors:

       Conrad Duncan 15 August 2021 09:59

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       You can see below the moment when a woman and child were rescued from the rubble in Haiti following Saturday’s earthquake:

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       Moment woman and child rescued from rubble after Haiti quake

       Conrad Duncan 15 August 2021 10:06

       1629019102 More than 300 people dead as search for survivors begins in Haiti

       Haitian officials have been working overnight as the search for survivors begins following yesterday’s devastating earthquake that has already killed more than 300 people.

       On top of the fatalities, churches, hotels, hospitals and schools have also been badly damaged or destroyed by the 7.2-magnitude quake this weekend.

       You can find more details on the aftermath of the shock below:

       Search for survivors begins in Haiti as over 300 dead after huge earthquake hits island New crisis comes just one month after Caribbean country’s president was assassinated

       Conrad Duncan 15 August 2021 10:18

       1629020262 Naomi Osaka vows to give tennis prize money to Haiti relief victims

       Tennis star Naomi Osaka has pledged her support to the people of Haiti by offering to donate her prize money from the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati to the victims of Saturday’s earthquake.

       In a social media post shared yesterday, Ms Osaka, whose father’s family are Haitian, praised the country’s strength in the face of multiple hardships.

       Our reporter, Harriet Brewis, has the full story below for Indy100:

       Naomi Osaka vows to give tournament prize money to Haiti quake victims in powerful statement Tennis star Naomi Osaka has pledged her support to the people of Haiti after the country was floored by a devastating earthquake.

       Conrad Duncan 15 August 2021 10:37

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       You can find images below showing some of the destruction in Haiti yesterday following a 7.2-magnitude earthquake:

       (EPA)

       (EPA)

       (REUTERS)

       Conrad Duncan 15 August 2021 10:53

       1629022841 What is Haiti’s political crisis?

       As well as being forced to deal with the aftermath of a major earthquake, Haiti is also in a state of political crisis following the assassination of the country’s president.

       Jovenel Mo？se was shot dead in his private residence in the capital of Port-au-Prince on 7 July, in an attack that authorities have alleged was carried out by a group of largely Colombian mercenaries and Haitian accomplices.

       In response to the killing, Haiti’s prime minister Ariel Henry said officials were aiming to hold elections for a new president as soon as possible.

       However, recent reports before Saturday’s earthquake suggested that the vote, which was initially earmarked for September, would not take place until November.

       The natural disaster will likely make the task of holding prompt elections even tougher.

       The assassination also came against a backdrop of protests and civil unrest over increased fuel prices and alleged corruption, with demonstrators calling for the country’s government to resign.

       A presidential sash lays on the casket of former president Jovenel Moise during his funeral in July

       (AP)

       Conrad Duncan 15 August 2021 11:20

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       The Pan American Health Organisation and World Health Organisation are deploying experts to support Haiti today, with emergency medical teams, supplies and equipment being offered to the country:

       Conrad Duncan 15 August 2021 11:33

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