Haitian death toll could hit 100,000

Tens of thousands of people are feared buried alive after a magnitude 7 earthquake, struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The epicenter was just 16 kilometers southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers and is the strongest to hit the country in almost 200 years.

Residents search for victims after an earthquake in Port-au-Prince January 13, 2010. The 7.0 magnitude quake rocked Haiti, killing possibly thousands of people as it toppled the presidential palace and hillside shanties alike and leaving the poor Caribbean nation appealing for international help. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Haiti's capital resembled a war-zone in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Dazed and injured survivors wandered the streets. Some lay on the street in utter disbelief at what had happened.

Scores of bodies lay strewn in the streets. Those who survived grieved for lost loved ones.

Most of the buildings in the city, including the president's palace, have been reduced to rubble.

Haiti's Prime Minister said the death toll could exceed 100,000.

The Red Cross said a third of Haiti's 9 million people require emergency aid. A clear report of the damage is expected to be released in a day or two.