At least 304 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, the country's civil protection agency said in an update on the toll.

"We have recorded 160 deaths in the South, 42 in Nippes, 100 in Grand'Anse and two in the Northwest," said civil protection head Jerry Chandler, breaking down the death toll by department at a press briefing.

At least 1,800 people are injured and others remain unaccounted for, authorities added.

According to Xinhua News Agency, there have been no reports of casualties among overseas Chinese in the Caribbean country. 

The magnitude-7.2 earthquake occurred on Saturday at 8:29 a.m. local time northeast of Saint-Louis du Sud, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

It was followed by a series of aftershocks until midnight Saturday.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had issued a tsunami warning, but lifted it hours later.

Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who flew over the region to survey the damage, declared a monthlong state of emergency.

The prime minister promised to mobilize all available government resources to help victims as research and rescue operations continued. 

Leaders of some countries in the region have expressed condolences and said they will provide help.

U.S. President Joe Biden authorized an immediate U.S. response to the earthquake and named Samantha Power, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, coordinator of the effort.

President of Peru Pedro Castillo expressed solidarity for the Haitian people and said he will give necessary support. 

Chile's President Sebastian Pinera tweeted that a shipment of humanitarian aid will be sent to Haiti.

The Dominican Republic and Bolivia also voiced support to Haiti. 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the organization is working to support rescue and relief efforts. "My heart goes out to all affected by the earthquake. My deepest condolences to all who have lost family and friends," he tweeted.

(With input from agencies)