Death toll from massive Haiti earthquake soars to 1,297

The death toll from the earthquake that shook Caribbean nation on Saturday rose to nearly 1,300. The deadly quake also left at least 5700 people injured, with thousands more displaced from their destroyed or damaged homes.

Survivors in some areas were forced to wait out in the open amid oppressive heat for help from overloaded hospitals.

Country’s public works ministry dispatched almost 55 rescue teams, composed of military and civil protection personnel, for search-and-rescue efforts.

In some communities, residents reported a lack of relief workers and took it upon themselves to act.

As per details, the epicenter of the quake was about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Meanwhile, widespread damage was reported in the hemisphere’s poorest nations. The devastation could soon worsen with the coming of Tropical Depression Grace, which is predicted to reach Haiti on Monday night (today).

Rescue workers and bystanders were able to pull many people to safety from the debris.

Reportedly, injured people were still being delivered to hospitals.