13 Jul 2010

Six months since earthquake in Haiti

8:15 am on 13 July 2010

It's now six months since a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, killing more than 220,000 people and destroying most of the capital, Port au Prince. Outlying towns were also wrecked.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred on 12 January at 4.53pm. It lasted 35 seconds.

The BBC reports 1.5 million people made homeless by the earthquake are still living in 1300 tent camps.

Canada has dismissed criticism of the international reconstruction effort in Haiti, saying much is being done to help it recover.

Canada says millions are receiving food, water and shelter; child protection centres are up and running, some schools have reopened and there have been no major outbreaks of disease.