A major earthquake struck Haiti early Saturday, August 14th, collapsing buildings and historical cathedrals in the southwestern part of a nation still struggling to recover from a devastating quake that left more than 300,000 dead just over a decade ago and was already in upheaval after a presidential assassination last month.

The United States Geological Survey placed the quake at magnitude at 7.2, as did the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, with the epicenter about 75 miles west of capitol of Port-au-Prince. If verified, it would make the seismic event stronger than the 7.0 quake one that left much of the capitol in ruins 2010. Tremors were felt all the way to Jamaica.

There were initial, unconfirmed reports of deaths, injuries and panic in cities across the region, which is less densely populated than the capitol. But images posted on social media suggested there could be a heavy toll. Some showed collapsed homes and the Catholic Cathedral turned to rubble in the city town of Les Anglais, which is part of Jeremie in the Grand Anse region.

JAYJ Foundation is standing ready to provide any assistance to the areas affected by this horrible disaster.