On January 12, 2010, at 21:53 UTC, (4:53 pm local time) Haiti was struck by a magnitude-7.0 earthquake, the country's most severe earthquake in over 200 years. The epicenter of the quake was just off the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. The focus was about 6 miles (10 km) underground, according to the USGS.It has been estimated that the death toll could reach 200,000. Widespread damage resulted from the quake, with a majority of buildings collapsing due to poor structural design and construction. The capital city was devastated. The Presidential Palace was badly damaged, with the second floor entirely collapsing onto the first floor; the Haitan Parliament building and the National Cathedral were also destroyed.
NEW YORK, USA, 15 January 2010 The people of Port-au-Prince and other areas affected by this week's devastating earthquake in Haiti are living outdoors, surrounded by the ruins of their homes. Picking through the rubble, they try to salvage what they can from a tragedy that defies comprehension.
To overcome the massive humanitarian obstacles that still face some 3 million people affected by the quake, UNICEF today issued a call for almost $120 million to support its relief operations in Haiti. The funding is part of a wider UN appeal for $562 million.
The aid is desperately needed. Thousands of Haitians are feared dead, many more are injured and an unknown number are still missing.
NEW YORK, USA, 15 January 2010 In this video, UNICEF Media Officer Patrick McCormick provides an update on the arrival of supplies in Haiti and the logistical challenges UNICEF faces in the days ahead.
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