An appeal for help to the victims of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake, which hit the south of the Haitian capital yesterday evening, is being made by SOS Malta.

The earthquake is feared to have killed thousands of people across the country. An untold number of people are trapped in tons of rubble with many others having lost their homes.

The earthquake, truck about 15 kilometres south-west of Port-au-Prince and was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude. It is the strongest earthquake to have struck Haiti in more than 200 years.

The extent of the destruction is unclear but there are fears of catastrophic damage and widespread casualties. The capital is now said to be in total darkness with many people sleeping outside amid fear of more aftershocks.

Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, is plagued by hunger and political instability and this disaster will drastically increase their needs.

SOS Malta called on the Maltese to help the people affected. Donations to SOS Malta’s Appeal would help restore hope and provide critical aid, it said.

Donations may be made to

APS a/c 20000245111
HSBC a/c 006070932050
BOV a/c 40013974950

They can also be sent to - SOS Malta, 9, Camilleri Court in Testaferrata Street, Ta’ Xbiex XBX 1407 or be made online www.sosmalta.org/donate_now.