Breaking News: 7.0 Earthquake Has Hit Haiti

Damage to Presidential Palace in Haiti Click here to view video please note *graphic*

Raymond Joseph, Haiti's ambassador to the United States, told CNN he had little information about the extent of damage from the quake, which had a reported magnitude of 7.0. But he said the suffering inflicted on the impoverished Caribbean nation was likely to be "catastrophic."

"The only thing I can do now is pray and hope for the best," he said.

Joseph said one government official -- the only one he was able to reach -- told him houses had crumbled "on the right side of the street and the left side of the street."

The quake had a reported magnitude of 7.0 and was centered about 10 miles (16 km) off the coast and about 6 miles (10 km) underground, according to the USGS. source