Death toll in Haiti shoots up to 724 after earthquake

The number of people killed by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake registered in Haiti on Saturday increased to 724, and there are also 2,800 injured, according to a new Civil Protection report released this Sunday.

Official information indicates that

500 people died in the south

, 100 in Grand Anse, 122 in Nippes and 2 in the northeast of the country.

[A powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake shakes Haiti: at least 304 dead confirmed]

Saturday's earthquake hit the southwestern part of the poorest nation on the continent and

practically wiped out some towns in

addition to causing landslides that affected rescue efforts in the most affected communities.

A group of people looked at the rubble of the residence of a Catholic bishop that was affected by the Les Cayes earthquake, Haiti, on August 14, 2021. AP

The disaster exacerbated what was already a difficult situation for Haitians, who grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and a wave of gang violence.

The epicenter of the quake was recorded 78 miles (about 125 kilometers) west of Port-au-Prince, the United States Geological Survey reported.

The widespread damage could be worse in the coming days, as

Tropical Storm Grace

is slated to

hit Haiti on Monday night

or early Tuesday.

[Arrested in connection with the assassination of the president of Haiti, claim they were hired by a Miami company]

There were aftershocks all Saturday and into the night, leaving many people who were left homeless or who feared their damaged homes would collapse fell asleep on the streets.

The earthquake

destroyed "many" hospitals, schools, churches, hotels and private companies

, Jerry Chandler, general director of Civil Protection, said at a press conference, while rescue efforts and damage assessment continue.

In video: This is how they rescued several Haitians trapped under the rubble after the earthquake this Saturday

Aug. 14, 202100: 53

After describing the situation in the country as "dramatic", Prime Minister Ariel Henry declared yesterday a

state of emergency throughout the country

and said that he will not request international aid until the magnitude of the damage is known.

["We need help": Interim Government of Haiti requests the dispatch of US troops]

In the coastal town of Les Cayes, some thanked God for having survived the earthquake, and many went on Sunday to the city's cathedral, which appeared to be undamaged, although the priest's residence was destroyed.

"Now we only have Jesus," said Johanne Dorcely, 58, whose home was reduced to rubble.

"If it weren't for Jesus, I couldn't be here today."

Henry said he was sending aid to areas where towns were devastated and hospitals were overwhelmed by the number of patients arriving.

A former senator chartered a private plane to fly the wounded from Les Cayes to Port-au-Prince for medical assistance.

With information from AP and EFE