Haitians Run In Fear As Aftershock Hits

A strong aftershock has hit Haiti, forcing residents to run in fear as buildings already weakened by the devastating earthquake four days ago began to wobble.


It happened as Barack Obama announced the US was launching its largest-ever relief effort to help the country's people.

The president called on two of his predecessors to help raise money for the victims of the earthquake.

Former presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush will lead efforts to raise funds.

The new 4.5-magnitude aftershock was felt in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince.

The US Geological Survey said while the tremor may not cause much damage, any movement could bring down buildings.

Those still searching the rubble for any survivors were forced to temporarily halt their efforts until the tremor passed.

Speaking at the White House, Mr Obama said the priority was getting aid to those who need it.

"It will be difficult. It is an enormous challenge to distribute this aid quickly and safely in a place that has suffered such destruction," he said.

"That's what we're focused on now, working closely with our partners."

Mr Bush said the most effective way for Americans to help was to "just send your cash", while Mr Clinton said Haitians could build a better future with help from the US.

Haiti's interior minister now says between 100,000 and 200,000 people could have died in the earthquake, but the exact number may never be known.

Some 40,000 bodies have already been buried in mass graves.

Looting and sporadic gunfire have been reported as survivors fight for food and water.

Police said they had so far arrested about 50 people.

Many are still being rescued - a 36-year-old nurse was found alive under rubble in Port-au-Prince by UN peacekeepers.

However, survivors are continuing to die because of the lack of basic medical help.

Thousands are in dire need of medical attention, but hospitals are being stretched to near breaking point.

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