'You are not alone': UN chief vows support for earthquake-struck Haiti

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) – UN chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday voiced support for the people of Haiti, where a deadly earthquake last weekend has killed at least 1,941 and injured more than 9,900.

“You are not alone. We stand by your side in these trying times,” Guterres said on Twitter.

“The UN continues to assist those affected by Saturday's deadly earthquake with humanitarian aid, including medical supplies & health care, clean water, emergency shelter & more.”

The Caribbean country has called for international help since the magnitude 7.2 quake struck on Saturday morning, flattening hundreds of buildings and rendering thousands homeless.

Heavy rains brought by a tropical storm have hampered rescue efforts and diminished hopes of finding survivors under the rubble.

Haiti was already struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability worsened by the murder of President Jovenel Moise last month.

The country was also hit by a devastating earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010, which claimed at least 316,000 lives, injured some 300,000 more, and left about 1.3 million people homeless.