Death Toll Nears 1,300 In Haiti After Massive Earthquake

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A man digs with a stone through the rubble of a house destroyed by the earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, on Sunday.

Joseph Odelyn/AP

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Joseph Odelyn/AP

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Hundreds Are Dead After A Massive Earthquake Hits Haiti

Individuals are trying to help as well. Richard Hervé Fourcand, a former Haitian senator, has rented a private airplane to ferry the injured from Les Cayes to Port-au-Prince. «I have 30 people in serious condition waiting for me, he told The New York Times. «But I only have seven seats.

And tennis star Naomi Osaka has vowed to donate any tournament prize money she might win this week to Haitian relief efforts.

A Tropical Depression could post a new threat

In an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, Haiti’s ambassador to the U.S., Bocchit Edmond, said authorities are still trying to figure out exactly how bad the devastation is. Their top priority is getting medical attention and shelter for people who have been hurt or displaced, he said.

Edmond is also concerned that the weather will complicate relief efforts. Tropical Depression Grace, currently wending its way through the Caribbean, could bring heavy rains and flooding on Monday as it hits Haiti, potentially triggering mudslides. Many areas could see 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated spots of 15 inches across the south of the country, the National Hurricane Center said.

«Hopefully Grace will be graceful enough to spare us, Edmond said.