AFP/Reuters
A new earthquake has shaken the devastated Haitian capital, creating panic among survivors of last week's quake who were camped out in the streets.
The powerful 6.1-magnitude aftershock at daybreak sent shrieking Haitians running away from buildings and walls in the shattered city, fearing a repeat of the magnitude 7.0 quake that killed at least 75,000 people.
There are no immediate signs of damage or casualties, but crashing sounds have been heard suggesting that already-damaged buildings may have collapsed.
"It felt really strong. Each aftershock is frightening. We feel it right [in the stomach], because after last Tuesday you never know how strong it is going to be," said Lenis Batiste, who was camped out on with his two children.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the latest tremor was centered 60 kilometres south west of Port-au-Prince.
Desperate and hungry residents of the capital have been sleeping outdoors since the January 12 quake because their homes were destroyed or from fear of aftershocks.
"Things started shaking. We were really afraid. People came out into the street," said Victor Jean Rossiny, a 24-year-old law student, living in the street in the Petionville suburb.
"We have nothing here, not even water."
Fears of violence and looting have eased as US troops provide security for water and food aid deliveries, and thousands of displaced Haitians have heeded the government's advice to seek shelter outside Port-au-Prince.
As a result, entire neighbourhoods in Port-au-Prince have emptied, said International Organisation for Migration (IOM) chief of mission Vincent Houver.
"The poorest of the poor have stayed in the city but many people have left Port-au-Prince, mainly to other towns where they have relatives or friends," he said.
Medical care, handling of corpses, shelter, water, food and sanitation remain the priorities for a international relief operation, UN officials said.
Around 370,000 people are said to be living in improvised shelter throughout Port-au-Prince.
"There are more than 300 of these settlements scattered throughout the city, with people living under improvised shelter and no access to water supplies," the IOM said in a statement.
"Until tents can be provided, priority needs for those in these settlements include plastic sheeting, water containers, and water purification tablets," it added.
The powerful 6.1-magnitude aftershock at daybreak sent shrieking Haitians running away from buildings and walls in the shattered city, fearing a repeat of the magnitude 7.0 quake that killed at least 75,000 people.
There are no immediate signs of damage or casualties, but crashing sounds have been heard suggesting that already-damaged buildings may have collapsed.
"It felt really strong. Each aftershock is frightening. We feel it right [in the stomach], because after last Tuesday you never know how strong it is going to be," said Lenis Batiste, who was camped out on with his two children.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the latest tremor was centered 60 kilometres south west of Port-au-Prince.
Desperate and hungry residents of the capital have been sleeping outdoors since the January 12 quake because their homes were destroyed or from fear of aftershocks.
"Things started shaking. We were really afraid. People came out into the street," said Victor Jean Rossiny, a 24-year-old law student, living in the street in the Petionville suburb.
"We have nothing here, not even water."
Fears of violence and looting have eased as US troops provide security for water and food aid deliveries, and thousands of displaced Haitians have heeded the government's advice to seek shelter outside Port-au-Prince.
As a result, entire neighbourhoods in Port-au-Prince have emptied, said International Organisation for Migration (IOM) chief of mission Vincent Houver.
"The poorest of the poor have stayed in the city but many people have left Port-au-Prince, mainly to other towns where they have relatives or friends," he said.
Medical care, handling of corpses, shelter, water, food and sanitation remain the priorities for a international relief operation, UN officials said.
Around 370,000 people are said to be living in improvised shelter throughout Port-au-Prince.
"There are more than 300 of these settlements scattered throughout the city, with people living under improvised shelter and no access to water supplies," the IOM said in a statement.
"Until tents can be provided, priority needs for those in these settlements include plastic sheeting, water containers, and water purification tablets," it added.
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