Biden pledges ‘immediate’ US help for Haiti following earthquake

President Biden said the U.S. is working to help Haiti as it deals with the destruction and tragedy of Saturday’s massive earthquake.

A 7.2 magnitude quake shook the impoverished island nation around 8:30 a.m., collapsing buildings and killing hundreds just weeks after the president was assassinated.“In what is already a challenging time for the people of Haiti, I am saddened by the devastating earthquake that occurred in Saint-Louis du Sud, Haiti this morning,” Biden’s statement said, offering condolences to victims.

Biden said he named Samantha Power, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, as the senior official to coordinate an “immediate” U.S. response.

The agency will help in the efforts to assess damage and assist efforts to recover the injured and those who must now rebuild, the president said. “The United States remains a close and enduring friend to the people of Haiti, and we will be there in the aftermath of this tragedy.”