Massive earthquake rocks Haiti; no info about Indians

Mangalore Today

Port-au-Prince, Haiti: A major quake of 7.3-magnitude rocked the Caribbean nation of Haiti and damaged presidential palace besides other government buildings in the country’s capital Port-au-Prince, an incident termed as "catastrophe of major proportions".

The devastating quake struck off about 15km south-west of the capital at 1653 (0323 IST) and was followed by three aftershocks of 5.9, 5.5 and 5.1 magnitude, the US Geological Survey said.

The country is home to over 200 Indians, most of whom are policemen deputed as part of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Of the over 200 Indians, some 60-100 live and work in the country and are mostly associated with the UN peace mission.

"We have not been able to contact with the Honorary Indian Consul General in Haiti, Marie Andrine," Deputy Indian Ambassador to Cuba said over phone from Havana.

The Indian Embassy in Cuba also takes care of Indian affairs in Haiti.

Meanwhile, Haiti’s ambassador to the US Raymond Alcide Joseph termed the quake as a "catastrophe of major proportions".

Buildings, including the presidential palace and a hospital, are said to have collapsed, and rescue efforts are under way.

US President Barack Obama has offered immediate help and asked his officials to gear up for sending relief material to Haiti as soon as possible.