Death toll climbs as Tropical Depression Grace hits Haiti

Rescue workers are rushing to locate survivors of the deadly earthquake that struck Haiti on Saturday as a tropical storm hit the Caribbean nation reported BBC. Tropical Depression Grace is expected to dump up to 25cm (10 inches) of rainfall over the worst affected area. Social media footage showed heavy rain pouring over the island’s east, with the quake-hit west next in its path.

It is feared the deluge could trigger landslides. At least 1,419 people are known to have died in the 7.2-magnitude quake. More than 6,900 were injured, and an unknown number are still missing. Roads already made impassable by the quake could be further damaged by the rains, so aid teams are racing to get essential provisions to the quake-hit region. Homes, churches and schools were among buildings flattened in the quake. On Twitter, Haiti’s civil protection agency urged “good neighbours whose space has not been affected” to help shelter displaced people. The U.S. deployed search and rescue teams to help find survivors among the debris of collapsed buildings in Haiti as the death toll soars from Saturday’s massive earthquake. The neighbouring Dominican Republic has offered to send food and medical equipment, with Cuba also reportedly deploying more than 250 doctors. Humanitarian organisations say survivors need drinking water and shelter. More than 30,000 families have reportedly been left homeless. Some hospitals were left overwhelmed and in need of supplies as they struggled to treat the injured.