Death toll climbs to past 300 in devastating Haiti earthquake

The death toll is now 304 following that powerful earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti this morning.

BBC News reports more than 1,800 people are reported to be injured.

The 7.2-magnitude quake hit the west of the country toppling and damaging buildings including churches and hotels.

The prime minister said there was "extensive damage" and declared a month-long state of emergency.

Haiti is still recovering from a devastating 2010 earthquake.

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti killed more than 200,000 people and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and the economy.

This morning's earthquake comes amid a political crisis in the country, following the assassination of its president last month.

[Source: BBC]