State of Emergency for Quake-Hit Haiti

Haiti's Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, has declared a month-long state of emergency, following Saturday’s deadly earthquake that left at least 1,297 people dead. The 7.2-magnitude quake, which was followed by a series of aftershocks, struck about 150 kms west of the capital Port-au-Prince, at a depth of 10 km. It was felt as far away as Cuba and Jamaica. While damage in the capital was limited, entire towns have collapsed in the southern part of the country, where most of the dead and injured have been reported. At least 950 homes, seven churches, two hotels and three schools have been destroyed. A further 723 homes, one prison, three health centers and seven schools had been badly damaged. Large parts of the area are now vulnerable to landslides. To make matters worse, Haiti is in the path of Tropical Storm Grace, which is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds in the coming days.

Fuel Tanker Explodes in Lebanon

At least 20 people have been killed and 79 others injured in a fuel tank explosion in northern Lebanon. Lebanon is suffering from a severe fuel shortage, leading to long lines at gas stations and extended blackouts. Military and security sources say the Lebanese army had seized a hidden fuel storage tank in the town of Altalil and was in the midst of handing out gasoline to residents when the explosion happened. There are differing accounts as to its cause. One police report says an argument between a group of people led to gunfire, which hit the tank. The local Al-Jadeed TV channel reported an eyewitness as saying that an individual lit a cigarette close to the fuel.

Floods Hit Southern Japan

And, flooding has hit southern Japan, inundating streets and homes. Torrential rains lashed much of Japan on Sunday, submerging roads and buildings in the western part of the country, while three people were killed in a landslide in the central Nagano prefecture. As of Sunday morning, the rain had stopped in much of Kyushu, even as Tokyo and other parts of the country were pounded. A level-4 evacuation warning, the second highest, remains in place for Takeo and surrounding towns.