The earthquake that hit Haiti on Tuesday afternoon destroyed about 70 percent of the buildings in the 15 districts of the country's capital city Port-au-Prince, the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva reported, according to EFE.

The 7.0 magnitude earthquake was touted as the worst to hit the island in 200 years. The damage left many casualties in part because of poor construction practices and high population density, according to experts.

Engineering experts say that Haiti is among many poor countries that are not strict with construction standards. Many buildings are built without any architect or engineer.

The United Nations Development Program and other worldwide agencies are making efforts to help vulnerable countries to improve planning for earthquakes. The agencies encourage governments to upgrade schools, hospitals and other public buildings to better endure earthquakes.

Also they urge governments to make stricter building codes, and develop evacuation, rescue and contingency plans.

Earth Earthquake