Several deaths and enormous damage says Haitian prime minister as 72 magnitude earthquake hits western Haiti

A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 has struck western Haiti, as people fled their homes fearing that buildings might collapse.

The quake struck 8km (five miles) from the town of Petit Trou de Nippes, about 150km (93 miles) west of the capital Port-au-Prince, at a depth of 10km, the US Geological Survey said.

The United States Geological Survey issued a red alert for fatalities from the quake and said the disaster is "likely widespread".

Image: Map of Haiti showing Saint Louis de Sud and Port au Prince

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry said the quake caused "several" deaths and "enormous damage" to southern areas of the Caribbean country. He said all government resources available would be mobilised to help victims.

The country has been in a state of political turmoil since July, when President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in his home by a team of gunmen, shaking a country already battling poverty, spiralling gang violence and COVID-19.

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People in the capital of Port-au-Prince felt the tremor and many rushed into the streets in fear.

Haiti's Civil Protection service said on Twitter there were initial reports of likely casualties from its teams.

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The Caribbean country is still recovering from a magnitude 7 earthquake closer to the capital 11 years ago that killed tens of thousands of people and flattened buildings, leaving many homeless.

"In my neighborhood, I heard people screaming. They were flying outside," said Port-au-Prince resident Sephora Pierre Louis, adding she was still in a state of shock.

Image: The country is still recovering from an earthquake in January 2010. Pic: AP

"At least they know to go outside. In 2010, they didn't know what to do. People are still outside in the street."

Naomi Verneus, a 34-year-old resident, said she was jolted awake by the earthquake, with her bed was shaking.

"I woke up and didn't have time to put my shoes on. We lived the 2010 earthquake and all I could do was run. I later remembered my two kids and my mother were still inside.

Image: Many were left homeless after the 2010 quake. File photo.

"My neighbor went in and told them to get out. We ran to the street," Verneus said.

Tropical Storm Grace is forecasted to reach Haiti late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

US President Joe Biden has authorised an immediate response, naming Samantha Power as the coordinator of the effort.

The US Tsunami Warning System reported the threat of a tsunami in Haiti has now passed.

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