Death toll from Haitian earthquake rises to 304 as landslide blocks major highway

SANTO DOMINGO, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- A 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Haiti has killed 304 people, wounded more than 1,800 others and caused a landslide, which has blocked a national highway, Haitian authorities said Saturday.

National Highway 7, which connects the southern cities of Les Cayes and Jeremie, has been blocked by the landslide, said the country's Civil Protection Directorate.

"An operation is being carried out to restore traffic circulation," said the agency, praising efforts by rescue teams and residents to pull a large number of people from the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry went to the department of Grand'Anse to see the damage and said that his government has mobilized resources to help victims.

The earthquake originated about 12 km from the southern town of Saint Louis du Sud.