Quake new blow for country mired in misery

PORT AU PRINCE: The earthquake that plunged Haiti into darkness is another blow to a nation that has seen more than its share of misery.

Endemic instability, murderous dictators, more than 30 coups and a seemingly endless series of hurricanes and other natural disasters have claimed countless souls over Haiti's tumultuous 206-year history, leaving it the Americas' poorest country and utterly dependent on foreign aid.

Add to that Tuesday's 7.0-magnitude quake, the strongest to hit what is now Haiti since 1770. Initial reports on its destruction are frightening.