In the wake of the reported 5.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on the evening of Oct. 6, the Government of Saint Lucia has expressed condolences to the government and people of Haiti.

It has been reported that at least 12 people died and over 200 were injured in the earthquake in at least one aftershock that rocked the northern part of the island.

In a statement released on Oct. 8, Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet called on Saint Lucians to keep the people of Haiti in their thoughts and prayers.

“Right now, the fear is that there will be strong aftershocks,” stated Prime Minister Chastanet. “These are our brothers and sisters in Haiti who have suffered immensely and are now living in fear and this may create panic. We also know that the people of Haiti are still recovering from the devastating 2010 earthquake. We must continue to offer support where we can, especially at the OECS and CARICOM levels. Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims and to those injured in this most recent earthquake.”

This is reportedly the strongest earthquake to hit Haiti since 2010 when Haiti was devastated by a quake measuring 7.3 on the richter scale. It left more than 220,000 people dead and over 300,000 were injured.