Guyana has pledged to support Haiti in the wake of the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked that nation on Saturday.
The BBC reported that at least 304 people died and more than 1800 were injured.
According to the BBC, the 7.2-magnitude quake hit the west of the country on Saturday morning, toppling and damaging buildings including churches and hotels.
On Saturday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali, on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, expressed solidarity and support to the people of the Republic of Haiti.
The Head of State, in telephone conversations with the Prime Minister of Haiti, Dr Ariel Henry, and the Chairman of Caricom, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne, assured them that the Government of Guyana will provide assistance to aid the relief and recovery efforts.
Guyana’s support will be part of a regional relief and recovery initiative that will be coordinated by the Chairman of Caricom.
A statement from Guyana’s Office of the President said that Prime Minister Henry thanked President Ali for offering assistance. He indicated that an assessment is being done to ascertain the extent of the impact of the earthquake and to identify the critical areas of need. Dr Henry also said that the assessment report will be shared with President Ali and Caricom as soon as it has been completed.
The Prime Minister said there was “extensive damage” and declared a month-long state of emergency.
Haiti is still recovering from a devastating 2010 earthquake. The BBC reported that the epicentre of Saturday’s quake was about 12km (7.5 miles) from the town of Saint-Louis du Sud, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.
