5.9 magnitude quake jolts Haiti

An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter Scale struck northwestern Haiti on Saturday evening.

The United States Geological Survey said that the quake hit the region at around 8:11 pm (local time). The epicentre of the temblor was centered 12 miles northwest of Port-de-Paix situated on Haiti's northern coast.

The earthquake was 7.3 miles below the surface. There were early reports of damage and casualties, although the extent was not immediately clear. The tremors were felt in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, as well as in the neighbouring Dominican Republic.

Haiti President Jovenel Moise tweeted that he was informed of the damage in the Far North and said civil protection workers are on alert. He further urged citizens to remain calm.

The Caribbean nation is situated in the Ring of Fire - an area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean which is vulnerable to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

In 2010, Haiti was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter Scale, which led to widespread damage of property and claimed the lives of over 3 lakh people.