The most powerful aftershock yet struck Haiti yesterday, shaking more rubble from damaged buildings and sending screaming people running into the streets. The latest quake came just eight days after the country's capital was devastated by an apocalyptic earthquake.
Yesterday’s magnitude-6.1 aftershock was the largest of more than 40 significant aftershocks that followed the January 12 earthquake. The extent of additional damage or injuries was not immediately clear.
Wails of terror rose as frightened survivors of last week's quake poured out of unstable buildings.
Red Cross spokesman Matthew Cochrane said there appeared to be no new damage near the airport. But it was too early to say if the aftershock caused damage elsewhere.
Last week's magnitude-7 quake killed an estimated 200,000 people in Haiti. That quake also left 250,000 injured and made 1.5 million people homeless.
A massive international aid effort has been launched, but it is struggling with logistical problems, and many Haitians are still desperate for food and water.
The World Food Program said more than 250,000 ready-to-eat meals had been distributed in Haiti, but reaching only a fraction of the three million people thought to be in dire need.
Questions:
1. How many aftershocks have occurred since the January 12th earthquake?
2. What is the latest estimate on the number of people killed and injured by the Jan 12 earthquake?
3. How much food has the World Food Program distributed in Haiti, and how many people need this food?
Answers:
1. More than 40 significant aftershocks have been reported.
2. An estimated 200,000 people died, and 250,000 were injured.
3. The World Food Program distributed more than 250,000 ready-to-eat meals, but 3 million people are in need of food.
(中国日报网英语点津 Helen 编辑)
About the broadcaster:
Renee Haines is an editor and broadcaster at China Daily. Renee has more than 15 years of experience as a newspaper editor, radio station anchor and news director, news-wire service reporter and bureau chief, magazine writer, book editor and website consultant. She came to China from the United States.