13 Jan 2014

Haiti marks quake anniversary

10:01 am on 13 January 2014

The people of Haiti on Sunday marked the earthquake that killed more than 250,000 people four years ago. Special religious ceremonies were held across the country.

Haitians at Mass in Port-au-Prince on the fourth anniversary of the earthquake.

Haitians at Mass in Port-au-Prince on the fourth anniversary of the earthquake. Photo: AFP

President Michel Martelly laid a wreath at a mass grave in Saint Christophe, where many of the dead were buried.

Some 150,000 people are still living in temporary accommodation.

The government issued a decree declaring 12 January a day of remembrance and reflection.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck on a Tuesday afternoon. The epicentre was just outside the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The BBC reports at least 1.5 million people were left homeless. Signs of destruction are still everywhere.