Haiti earthquake death toll nears 2000
The death toll from a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti has risen to 1,941, the Caribbean nation's civil protection agency said Tuesday, as a tropical storm brought torrential downpours on survivors already coping with catastrophe.
Earthquake, storm and floods; there seems to be no relief in sight for Haiti as the death toll from a 7.2 magnitude earthquake rises to 1,941, accrdong to the Caribbean nation's civil protection agency.
More than 9,900 people were wounded when the quake struck the southwestern part of the Caribbean nation on Saturday, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) to the west of the capital Port-au-Prince, according to the updated toll.
With more than 60,000 homes destroyed and 76,000 damaged, the United Nations' children's agency UNICEF said that more than half a million children have been affected by the disaster.
Meanwhile, the US National Hurricane Center warned of flash and urban flooding, and possible mudslides as Grace lashed the impoverished country with up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain.
Haiti officials have warned residents to watch out for buildings that are showing cracks from the earthquake because they could collapse under the weight of water.
In the coastal town of Les Cayes, residents began building makeshift shelters on a football field despite lashing winds and pouring rain as Tropical Storm Grace passed over the country.
The government has declared a month-long state of emergency in the four provinces affected by the quake.
