Haiti Hit by Earthquake

Just an FYI...since the Domincan Republic borders Haiti I just wanted to post this....there has been an earthquake in Haiti within the past hour measuring 7.3 on the richter scale and they have issued an tsunami warning for neighboring Caribbean locals including the Dominican Republic:

Tsunami Fears After Haiti Earthquake

A tsunami watch has been issued in the Caribbean after a major earthquake struck the island of Haiti.

Substantial damages and casualties are expected following the quake, which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale, and two powerful aftershocks which followed.

A hospital and a three-storey building in Petionville have reportedly collapsed.

A reporter for the AFP agency said a tractor was already at the scene trying to dig out victims as people fled onto the streets of the impoverished country in panic.

No details on causualties were immediately available.

The epicentre of the quake, which was initially reported off the coast, was located inland, only 10 miles from the capital Port-au-Prince.

It was followed by two powerful aftershocks, measuring 5.9 and 5.5 on Richter scale.

The tsunami watch is in effect for Haiti, the neighbouring Dominican Republic, with which it shares the island of Hispaniola, Cuba and the Bahamas.

A US government official in Haiti reported seeing houses that had tumbled into a ravine.

"Everybody is just totally, totally freaked out and shaken," said Henry Bahn, a visiting official with the US Department of Agriculture.

"The sky is just gray with dust."

Mr Bahn said there were rocks strewn all over the place and he saw a ravine where several homes had been built.

"It's just full of collapsed walls and rubble and barbed wire," he said.

Earthquake Hits Haiti: US Geological Survey Issues Tsunami Warning | World News | Sky News

Oh man that's scary. I hope everyone is ok!!

omg! How devestating! PRAYERS to all the victims!

That's terrifying! Keeping everyone over there in my thoughts and I hope that the DR b2bs are aware of this Tsunami heading that way...

OMG my FIL's are in the DR right now!!!!

Friend lives in DR called her up to know how she was doing. She says the sound was horrible. My prayers are definitely with the victims and their families.

Sad... Things are not looking good there.