A 7.2 magnitude earthquake has struck western Haiti, killing at least 304 people. It caused severe damage in at least two cities, cutting off communications and burying residents under rubble. Shocks were felt throughout Haiti and across the Caribbean, including in Cuba and Jamaica. Haiti's prime minister has declared a state of emergency for one month. The impoverished country is vulnerable to earthquakes and hurricanes. It was struck by a magnitude 7.1 quake in 2010 that damaged much of the capital and killed over 200,000 people. Haiti has been mired in a political crisis since President Jovenel Moise was assassinated last month. Swathes of the country are facing growing hunger and healthcare services are overwhelmed by COVID-19.