A 7.0-magnitude quake which hit south of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince is feared to have killed hundreds of people across the Caribbean country.In the space of a minute, Haiti's worst quake in two centuries wrecked the HQ of the UN mission, the presidential palace and numerous other buildings.
A "large number" of UN personnel were reported missing by the organisation.
Haiti is an LEDC, making the effects so much worse... WHY? Here are some clues:
Many people live in shanty towns;
They do not have an effective response team in terms of rescue;
Hospitals and medical are limited;
Long term repair will cost money.
The capital fell into total darkness overnight, with many people sleeping outside amid fear of more aftershocks.
Describing the earthquake as a "catastrophe", Haiti's envoy to the US said the cost of the damage could run into billions.
A number of nations, including the US, UK and Venezuela, are gearing up to send aid.
Read the BBC report on the immediate aftermath. Remember, this will show mainly primary effects. Check back at a later date for updates to give information on the secondary effects and responses.
