A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Haiti, rocking the capital and sparking a tsunami alert for neighbouring states.

Haiti's envoy to the US said it was a "catastrophe of major proportions" as reports from the capital spoke of casualties and damage.

The tremor hit at 1653 (2153 GMT), about 15km (10m) south-west of Port-au-Prince, the US Geological Survey said.

By JONATHAN M. KATZ (AP) PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Opposition groups are threatening to disrupt Haiti's upcoming legislative contests over allegations that election officials are stacking the deck in favor of President Rene Preval's party in a bid to boost executive power.

Seven members of a family Annville will run in distance races in Florida next month to raise funds for a health facility in Haiti.

Jon Miller and Nydia Maple Street with their children plan to run in the Disney World Marathon January 10 last or one of several smaller races that weekend to raise funds for the Center Heartline originating 'Haiti in Port-au-Prince.

My wife Gouya and I traveled to Haiti last month with a group of supporters of the Mona Foundation, which included "The Office" actor Rainn Wilson (who plays Dwight Schrute) and his wife Holiday Reinhorn.

BY FERNANDO GONZALEZ
SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
The remarkable voices, songs and images in the recently released box set Alan Lomax in Haiti are a stunning, delightful treasure, a vivid portrait of a time and place.