The horror continued in Haiti as a 5.9 aftershock hit the nation just after sunrise Wednesday, Jan. 20. Although there were no reports of deaths or major damage, the aftershock terrified residents who were still suffering eight days after the initial 7.0 temblor destroyed the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
According to reports by the Pan American Health Organization, over 200,000 people have died. The latest aftershock occurred as nearly 3 million residents were still in need of medical assistance, food, water and shelter. Geophysicists with the U.S. Geological Survey have suggested that more aftershocks could wreak additional havoc on the battered country.
But while millions of Haitians continue to live without support, medical efforts are increasing. The hospital ship USNS Comfort arrived in the country following the aftershock. The ship, which has a medical staff of 550 doctors, nurses and technicians, has the capacity to treat 1,000 patients. –amir shaw
