World
Haiti searches for survivors after quake kills at least 304
Rescue workers were scrambling to find survivors after a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, killing at least 304 and toppling buildings in the disaster-plagued Caribbean nation still recovering from a devastating 2010 quake.
The epicentre of the shaking, which rattled homes and sent terrified locals fleeing for safety starting around 8:30 am (12:30 GMT) Saturday, was about 160km by road west of the centre of the densely populated capital Port-au-Prince.
Churches, businesses, schools and homes crumbled in the quake that trapped hundreds of victims under rubble and left at least 1,800 people injured, the country’s civil protection agency said.
Rescuers raced against the clock to find survivors, with the civil protection tweeting that efforts by “both professional rescuers and members of the public have led to many people being pulled from the rubble,” adding that already overburdened hospitals continue to receive injured.
Hours after the quake, the agency announced the death toll had jumped to 304, ticking upwards throughout the day from the first report of 29 fatalities.
The long initial quake was felt in much of the Caribbean, emanating from the epicentre at Haiti’s southwestern peninsula.
The civil protection said at least 160 people were killed in the country’s South department alone.
“Lots of homes are destroyed, people are dead and some are at the hospital,” 21-year-old Christella Saint Hilaire, who lives near the epicentre, told AFP.
Hospitals in the regions hardest hit by the quake were already struggling to provide emergency care and at least three were completely full, according to Jerry Chandler, head of the civil protection agency.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
The health ministry quickly dispatched personnel and medicine to the southwestern peninsula, but their arrival could be hampered by insecurity that has for months plagued the poorest country in the Americas.
The United States and other nations swiftly pledged support to the crisis-wracked country, with US President Joe Biden approving “immediate” aid efforts and Haiti’s neighbour the Dominican Republic shipping 10,000 food rations and medical equipment.
A medical brigade of 253 Cuban doctors deployed in Haiti was travelling to treat the injured and adapt a Port-au-Prince hospital until now used for Covid patients, their head said on Cuban television.
In Ecuador, Quito Fire Department said it was preparing to send a team of 34 personnel specialized in urban search and rescue. Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Venezuela also offered help while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Haitians “can count on the support of Spain to come through this terrible event.”
Tennis star Naomi Osaka, whose father is Haitian, said she was going to donate her prize money from an upcoming tournament to help quake victims.
“Really hurts to see all the devastation that’s going on in Haiti, and I feel like we really can’t catch a break,” Osaka wrote on Twitter.
Images circulated on social media showed people frantically trying to pull people from the ruins of caved-in buildings, while screaming bystanders sought safety in the streets outside their homes.
“Houses and their surrounding walls have collapsed. The roof of the cathedral has fallen down,” resident Job Joseph told AFP from the hard-hit city of Jeremie on Haiti’s far western end.
Heavy damage was reported in the centre of the city, which is home to around 200,000 people and composed primarily of single-story residences and buildings.
The damage in the city of Les Cayes appeared to be significant, including the collapse of a multi-story hotel.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who surveyed the damage via helicopter, declared a state of emergency for one month while calling on the nation to “show solidarity” and not panic.
Shortly after the quake, the US Geological Survey issued a tsunami alert, but lifted the warning soon after.
Jeremie resident Tamas Jean Pierre said the possibility of a tsunami nonetheless sent parents “fleeing the city with their children in arms.”
“People are terrified,” she said.
A 7.0-magnitude quake in January 2010 left much of Port-au-Prince and nearby cities in ruins, killing more than 200,000 and injuring some 300,000 others.
More than 1.5 million Haitians were made homeless, leaving island authorities and the international humanitarian community with a colossal challenge.
Besides hundreds of thousands of homes, the quake also destroyed administrative buildings and schools, not to mention 60% of Haiti’s health care system.
The rebuilding of the country’s main hospital remains incomplete, and non-governmental organisations have struggled to make up for the state’s many deficiencies.
The latest quake comes just over a month after President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in his home by a team of gunmen, shaking a country already battling poverty, spiralling gang violence and COVID-19.
In Other News – South Africa still in the grip of 3rd wave Covid-19 pandemic
South Africa recorded 13 021 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and 238 deaths, the Health Department said. As of today the cumulative number of #Covid19 cases identified in SA is 2 595 447 with 13 021 new cases reported,” the department said on Twitter.
“Today 238 deaths have been reported bringing the total to 76 869 deaths. The cumulative number of recoveries now stand at 2 364 507 with a recovery rate of 91.1%”, learn more
Nigeria was once hailed as one of Africa’s strongest and greatest nations, but recent years have seen a troubling decline marked by economic downturn, rising insecurity, and deteriorating international standing. The hardships faced by citizens have become unbearable, with many struggling to survive. It is in this context that the youth, the backbone of our nation, are stepping forward to demand change.
To the vibrant and passionate youths of Nigeria, your right to protest is enshrined in our constitution. It is a powerful tool for expressing dissent and demanding accountability. However, it is crucial to remember that the effectiveness of your message is amplified when delivered peacefully. Vandalizing property and engaging in violence not only undermines the legitimacy of your cause but also puts innocent lives at risk.
Peaceful protest is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your strength and maturity. It shows that you are capable of demanding change without resorting to destruction. Let us honor the legacy of past leaders who fought for our rights with dignity and respect for human life.
A Call to the Government and Political Leaders
To our government and political leaders, the voices of the people are crying out for change. It is your duty to listen and act. The grievances being expressed are not new; they reflect years of neglect and mismanagement. The time for empty promises is over. Concrete actions are needed to address the economic challenges, improve security, and restore Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
The youths of Nigeria are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. They deserve a government that listens to their concerns and works tirelessly to create a better future for all. Engaging in open dialogue and taking decisive steps to address the issues at hand will not only alleviate the current crisis but also rebuild the trust between the government and the people.
As the protests is on, let us all remember that our common goal is to build a better Nigeria. This can only be achieved through peaceful and constructive actions. To the youths, march with purpose and resolve, knowing that your peaceful stance speaks volumes. To the government and political leaders, hear the cries of your people and take meaningful steps to make things right.
Source: vanguardngr
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for transparency, accountability and the elimination of unnecessary expenditures to cut down on the cost of governance in the country. Akpabio made the call on Monday at a one-day dialogue on the cost of governance in Nigeria organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, in Abuja.
Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers) highlighted the possible factors contributing to the high cost of governance in the country.He said the size of the country’s bureaucracy, the escalating public service wage bills, the overhead costs of appointed public officials, and the salaries and allowances of elected officials are major factors.
According to him, the running of government institutions among other substantial components contributed to weighing down the economy and hindering development efforts. Let us hold ourselves accountable and take responsibility for the betterment of our nation. We have to ensure that our government operates efficiently and effectively, serving the needs of the people and fostering sustainable development,” he said.
The president of the senate emphasized the need to streamline bureaucracy, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and ensured transparency and accountability at all levels of governance. We must invest in our human capital, empowering our public officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive progress.
“And we must foster a culture of innovation and creativity, where new ideas can flourish and transform our nation,” he said.Akpabio urged all Nigerians to remain united, become agents of change and be committed to making sacrifices for the nation. He said that the 10th Assembly was ready to partner with all stakeholders to do everything within its constitutional powers to make Nigeria for all citizens.
Source: pmnewsnigeria
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The senior pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, on Sunday, lamented that the economic situation in Nigeria has gone from bad to worse under President Bola Tinubu.
The clergyman noted that bad leaders were intentionally making life miserable for Nigerians. Read more
A Chinese national who was arrested yesterday at the Harare magistrate court on allegations of smuggling more than 100 tonnes of Cynide has claimed to be a diplomat.
Li Song who is facing several allegations that include money laundering, extenalisation, theft and attempted murder has been released by the National Prosecuting Authority to the amusement of the complainants who have a solid evidence against her.
According to the source who attended the vetting process Li Song claimed to be a diplomat who is immune from arrest in the country and the members of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission went to the Chinese embassy to verify her claim..
According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officers Somg was taken to Avondale police station cells for verification.
The notorious Chinese national has been implicated in various offences in the country and is also suspected to be one of the suspect in the poisoning of elephants with Cynide in the country.
Song is accused of externalizing more than US$11 million to an offshore bank account and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is a complainant in the case.
Song was arrested at the Harare magistrates court by members of Zacc and is expected to appear in court today.
According to the source Li improtedd more than 100 tonnes of Cynide but was later found with 40 tonnes which was stores at different places in a bid to use it in court to obstruct the course of justice.
Li was recently summons to appear in court on May 21 on allegations of externalization and moneylaundering which Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is the complainant.
She is accused of externalizing US$11 million through the central bank after manufacturing invoices to get forex at the bank’s auction system.
The Chinese national who is also referred as a defacto ambassador of China is also facing allegations of attempting to kill her business partner Franesco Marconati who is the owner of Eagle Italian Leather and Shoes.