Frightened Haitians run from wobbly buildings as strong aftershock hits, complicating rescues

Aftershock interrupts Haiti earthquake rescues

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A strongly felt aftershock has shaken Haiti’s capital, briefly interrupting efforts to rescue victims of Tuesday’s big quake.

Searchers trying to free survivors believed trapped under the Montana hotel withdrew from the mountain of rubble when the tremor hit Saturday morning. But they were back at it five minutes later, trying to reach voices they believe they have heard beneath the rubble.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the aftershock was measured at magnitude-4.5.

USGS geophysicist Paul Caruso says the new tremor did not appear strong enough to cause much damage, but says even a small quake could bring down buildings hurt by Tuesday’s magnitude 7.0 quake.