At least 29 people have died after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti Saturday morning, according to the country's Civil Protection Service. A magnitude 7 earthquake struck western Haiti on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake struck 12 km (7.5 miles) from the town of Petit Trou de Nippes, at a depth of 10 km (about 6 miles deep), the USGS said. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) also reported a quake in the region, saying it was magnitude 7.6. The US Tsunami Warning System said there was no tsunami warning after the quake, Reuters reported. The US Geological Survey is estimating "high casualties" and widespread disaster. The USGS's ShakeMap is showing frequent shaking in Haiti after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Saturday morning. The region continues to see aftershocks, with the largest so far measuring a magnitude of 5.2, according to the USGS. USGS classified the current shaking as "violent," which is the second-to-highest level on its scale. It also indicated a red alert for both economic losses and fatalities. Disaster experts from the US Agency for International Development are on the ground in Haiti assessing damage and needs, USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance tweeted. The USGS is estimating "high casualties" and widespread disaster in Haiti following a magnitude 7.2 earthquake Saturday morning. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry urged Haitians to band together in solidarity after Saturday morning's earthquake. "I offer my sympathies to the relatives of the victims of this violent earthquake which caused several losses of human lives and property in several geographical departments of the country," Henry tweeted. "I appeal to the spirit of solidarity and commitment of all Haitians, in order to form a common front to face this dramatic situation that we are currently experiencing," another tweet read. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Grace is currently on track to impact Haiti Monday into Tuesday next week. Haiti can expect tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain, which could lead to flash flooding Monday into Tuesday. The heavy rain could lead to localized flooding and mudslides across the region. A tropical storm watch was issued for the Dominican Republic at 11 a.m. ET by the National Hurricane Center. While a watch has not yet been issued for Haiti, one is likely to be issued later Saturday night. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours. Grace is forecast to strengthen over the next 24 to 48 hours and is expected to have sustained winds of 60 mph prior to interacting with the island of Hispaniola on Monday. — CNN
