7.2 magnitude earthquake shakes Haiti on Saturday as Tropical Storm Grace makes its approach

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake shook Haiti Saturday morning. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimate high casualties.

“Red alert for shaking-related fatalities. High casualties are probable and the disaster is likely widespread,” states the USGS. “Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.”

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking. (Credit: USGS)

There have been many reports of building collapses from the region, in areas such as Les Anglais, Aquinoise and les Cayes.

Video from Les Cayes pic.twitter.com/BzbJISLeF2

— EMSC (@LastQuake) August 14, 2021

Haiti also lies within the cone of Tropical Storm Grace, which also formed Saturday morning and could impact Haiti early next week.