Thousands of people are feared dead and many more injured after the magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit western Haiti on Saturday.

The epicenter of the quake was 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northeast Saint-Louis du Sud, according to the United States Geological Survey, which estimated "high casualties" and widespread disaster after the earthquake.

“The preliminary USGS PAGER report shows RED for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses – indicating high casualties are probable and significant damage is likely. Given the likely impact of this event, a significant international response seems likely,” the USGC said.

The agency also issued a Tsunami warning after the powerful earthquake.

The hospitals in the country are overwhelmed with patients after massive destruction following the earthquake.

In 2010, similar in strength to the catastrophic earthquake that killed more than 160,000 people in the Caribbean country.