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Kentucky Native Rides Out Haiti Earthquake, Aftershocks

Posted at 5:29 PM, Oct 08, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-09 11:10:13-04

PORT-DE-PAIX, Haiti (LEX 18) — Haiti is recovering from the aftermath of a weekend earthquake and aftershock. At least 12 people were killed, more than one hundred injured and thousands of buildings and homes were destroyed.

An earthquake is not a new experience for Diana Owen and her family. The native Kentuckian has made Haiti her home.

Owen’s family operates Waves of Mercy, a Christian Ministry dedicated to working with the poor and forgotten for almost 40 years.

Owen was already surveying damage from Saturday’s 5.9 earthquake when her house in Port-de-Paix shook again.

“When it hit yesterday, and that bed started the same thing, I knew, oh no not another one,” Owen told LEX 18.

200 people were injured, in addition to the 12 people who died. Buildings have been destroyed and sheer panic is affecting the traumatized nation who have been suffering since the deadly 2010 earthquake.

Owen and her family are trying to help as many people as possible, but they are running low on supplies

“We need money for medicine, money to help get some of these walls back up in the homes,” says Owen.

You can donate to Waves of Mercy by sending donations to 799 Marcella St., Versailles, KY 40383.