Second earthquake hits Haiti

ANOTHER earthquake hit Haiti today as rescuers searched for survivors buried under rubble.

The US Geological Survey said the 6-magnitude quake struck at about 6am local time (11am GMT) about 35 miles north west of the country's capital, Port-au-Prince.

• How you can help: Donate via the mercy corps website at www.mercycorps.org.uk/haiti or by calling 0845 245 0686 between 8am and 8pm.

There were no immediate reports of further casualties but reports said the tremor led to widespread panic.

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander told MPs that the British search and rescue team was safe following the aftershock.

At question time in the House of Commons, he said: "Since I've arrived in the House this morning, there has been a significant aftershock registering 6.1 on the Richter Scale but the word that I have received is that our search and rescue team is safe and are continuing their work."

He offered the Government's sympathy to the victims of the Haiti earthquake and spoke of the "great collective pride" in the actions of the UK search teams in Port-au-Prince.

Mr Alexander announced that the UK would send a Royal Fleet Auxiliary supplies ship loaded with aid to help with the relief operation in Haiti.

RFA Largs Bay, which is due to sail before the end of the month, is expected to stay in the region for several weeks to help the United Nations ferry bulk supplies around the stricken country.

The UK Government has pledged 20 million to help those affected by the earthquake.

"This ship will provide a lifeline of essential supplies to sustain the recovery effort over the coming weeks to keep Haiti running," Mr Alexander said.

"I am proud that the Royal Navy has been able to respond so quickly to the UN's request to ferry vital supplies to the scene of one of the worst natural disasters in living memory.

"Their professionalism and capability will make a real difference to the suffering people of Haiti."

The Department for International Development announced that it would allocate 1 million to Oxfam, 1 million to Action Against Hunger and 500,000 to Handicap International.