Haiti earthquake death toll rises over 1,400, injured now at 6,000

Les Cayes, Haiti: The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Haiti over the weekend has risen to 1,419, while the number of injured people has grown to 6,000, the Caribbean nation’s Civil Protection Agency said Monday.

The earthquake destroyed thousands of homes, offices, churches and other structures. And the devastation could soon worsen with the coming of Tropical Depression Grace, predicted to reach Haiti on Monday night with strong winds, heavy rain, mudslides and flash flooding. Rainfall could reach 38 centimetres in some areas.

“We are working now to ensure that the resources we have now are going to get to the places that are hardest hit,’ said Jerry Chandler, head of the agency, said.

He referred to the Haitian provinces of Cayes, Jeremie and Nippe, which are in the country’s southwestern portion.