CARDINAL INJURED, PRIEST DEAD, AS EARTHQUAKE HITS HAITI

Cardinal Chibly Langlois, Bishop of Les Cayes and his residence after Earthquake

Source - Catholic News Agency

Cardinal Chibly Langlois, Bishop of Les Cayes and the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Haiti, was injured, alongside a Catholic Priest, who died in the early morning hours of August 14, after an Earthquake of 7.2 intensity shook Haiti.

According to Akim Kikonda, Director of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Haiti, who spoke to ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish, said Cardinal Langlois "is hurt, but his life is not in danger." Langlois, 62, was created the first Haitian Cardinal by Pope Francis on February 22, 2014.

"CRS has spoken with the priestly residence in Les Cayes and we have reports that the house has been severely damaged. Unfortunately, we were informed of three fatalities, one priest and two employees," Kikonda said.

Kikonda also reported to ACI Prensa that “all of CRS personnel are safe and sound, but unfortunately one of our employees’ wife died and his baby is gravely injured."

The earthquake happened at 8:30 a.m. local time, affecting all the country, especially the region of Les Cayes, in the southwestern region of Haiti.

Kikonda also said that the local public hospital has been overwhelmed by the number of emergencies, and is rejecting most of the injured.

"We are currently evaluating the extent of the damage... Once we have a full evaluation of the injured, dead and affected, we will proceed to provide emergency services, especially to the poorest and most vulnerable people."