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Haiti searches for survivors after quake kills at least 304

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Haiti earthquake

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.”

Haiti

“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 

South Africa News

A Comprehensive launch of New South African Online Casino Portal

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South African Online Casino

Johannesburg, South Africa – In an exciting development for South African online casino enthusiasts, the much-anticipated launch of GamblingSA.co.za marks a significant milestone in the evolution of online gambling in South Africa. Managed by industry veteran Rachel Williams, who brings over 18 years of experience to the table, this comprehensive portal promises to revolutionize the way South African players engage with online casinos.

Unparalleled Transparency and Reliability

GamblingSA.co.za sets a new standard in the online gambling industry with its commitment to providing South African players with the most reliable and up-to-date information on online casinos. Understanding the unique needs of the local market, Williams and her team have curated a platform that prioritizes the preferences of South African players, from offering the ability to play in ZAR to ensuring the ease of deposits and withdrawals.

A Rigorous Review Process

At the heart of GamblingSA.co.za’s offering is its unbiased and thorough review method. “We examine online casinos with a fine-tooth comb to ensure they meet our strict criteria, which includes safe banking options, efficient customer service, fair bonus wagering requirements, and quality game selections,” explains Williams. “Our goal is to recommend only the best online casinos that allow our players to gamble with confidence and convenience.”

Top Recommendations for South African Players

The portal proudly presents its top six recommended online casinos for South African players, each offering attractive no deposit bonuses and a wide array of games:

  1. Springbok Casino – Enjoy a R500 Free No Deposit Bonus at SA’s top-rated online casino.
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A Commitment to the South African Online Casino Community

With GamblingSA.co.za, players gain access to the largest online gambling guide in South Africa, featuring exclusive promotions, expert gambling tips, and comprehensive guides tailored to the South African market. “Our mission is to provide an unparalleled online gambling experience for our players, ensuring they have access to the best casinos, bonuses, no deposit casino bonuses, free spins and information, all tailored to meet their specific needs,” states Williams.

For more information and to explore the world of online gambling in South Africa, visit GamblingSA.co.za.

About GamblingSA.co.za:

GamblingSA.co.za is South Africa’s premier online casino portal, offering comprehensive reviews, exclusive bonuses, and expert advice to South African online casino players. Managed by industry veteran Michelle Williams, the site is dedicated to enhancing the online gambling experience for players across South Africa, ensuring they have access to safe, reliable, and enjoyable online gambling options.

Contact Information:

Rachel Williams, Manager
GamblingSA.co.za

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South Africa News

Corps members have been warned against traveling without obtaining permission

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Corps members

Corps members have been warned against traveling without obtaining permission from the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. The Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed says such act attracts punishment while addressing Corps members in Oyo and Ogun states orientation camp on Wednesday.

He said unauthorized journey attract sanctions, adding that no employer is allowed to grant permission to Corps members to travel.He informed the Corps members that all services in NYSC are free, warning that they should beware of online advertisers and fraudsters that may offer posting and redeployment to them for a fee.

The DG also implored the Corps members to adhere strictly to the NYSC dress code, adding that improper dressing in NYSC uniform attracts sanctions.

“Don’t dress anyhow. Dress as good ambassadors of NYSC and always abide by all NYSC rules and regulations,

“Respect the culture and tradition of your host communities when you leave camp. Make good impact on the communities and in your place of primary assignments”, the DG said.

He stated that efforts are still on-going towards the signing of the NYSC Trust Fund bill into law.

General Ahmed urged the Corps Members to participate actively in all the camp activities and also ensure that they establish long lasting friendship among themselves before leaving the Orientation Camp.

The Director General admonished them to avoid idleness but rather engage themselves with meaningful activities that will add value to them in addition to their certificates.

The NYSC Oyo State Coordinator, Mr Odoba Abel Oche, while presenting the Orientation Camp brief to the Director General, stated that the Corps members’ behaviour have been very commendable.

Similarly, the NYSC Ogun State Coordinator, Mrs Olayinka Nasamu, said a total of 2,350 Corps members have been registered. 1,318 for Ogun State and 1,032 for Lagos State.

“Ogun registered 496 male and 822 female while Lagos registered 414 male and 618 female”, Nasamu said.

Source: dailypost

In other news – Young Jonn undergoes hair transplant surgery

Nigerian record producer and singer, John Saviours Udomboso, aka Young Jonn, has undergone a successful hair transplant surgery.

 

Young Jonn

The ‘Xtra Cool’ crooner shared a video and photos from the surgical room in Spain via his X handle on Wednesday. Read more

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Nigeria Breaking News

Gov Bello grants state pardon to 24 inmates, pays N20m judgement debt

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Niger State Governor

Niger State Governor, Alh. Abubakar Sani Bello has granted state pardon to 24 inmates and settled fines to the tune of N20 million for 80 others unable to pay their judgement fines. He carried out the exercise under the powers of prerogative of mercy in the state.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasara Danmallam made this disclosure in while handing over the affairs of the Ministry of Justice to the permanent secretary in Minna.

According to him, “as a parting gift, Governor Bello has granted pardon to 24 inmates across the state under his powers of prerogative of mercy. Some of them have been on death row whose sentences have been commuted to a few years of prison term”.

Among the beneficiaries, the commissioner explained, were six civil servants convicted of fraud and other related offences and were dismissed from service based on the offences they committed.

Danmallam disclosed, “other beneficiaries of the pardon by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello are six dismissed civil servants who are now reinstated. Those of them who have attained retirement age are now to be retired with full benefits.

“The Governor also spent the sum of N20 million to pay judgement fines for 80 inmates as part of humanitarian gesture to the underprivileged individuals before handing over on Monday ”

The commissioner further stated that so far a total of 115 bills and legal instruments were promulgated into law, while thanking the staff of the ministry for the success recorded under him in the state.

Source:dailypost

In other news – Fear grips residents as insecurity heightens in Owerri zone

The insecurity situation in Imo State is currently on the upswing, as unknown gunmen and kidnappers have taken over most parts of the state. The peaceful Owerri Senatorial district is fastly becoming the latest flashpoint.

Imo State

Orlu and Okigwe zones have experienced severe insecurity which has resulted in at least a thousand murders and the destruction of property worth hundreds of millions of naira since the inception of Senator Hope Uzodinma’s administration three years ago. Learn more

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