Monday marked five years since a 7.0-magnitude earthquake rocked Haiti, killing hundreds of thousands of people.

For Haitians living in the Hudson Valley, the anniversary was a day of remembrance and reflection. 

Hundreds of people gathered at Saint Joseph's Church in Spring Valley for a night of prayer.

Students and teachers at Spring Valley High School also held a ceremony Monday where local survivors of the earthquake got a chance to share their personal stories of survival.

Government officials say more than 300,000 people were killed in the earthquake, though the exact toll is unknown. Five of those killed called the Hudson Valley their home.

Officials say tens of thousands of homes, businesses and schools were destroyed in the earthquake as well. In the months afterward, officials say about 600 Haitian immigrants made new homes in Rockland County.

Officials say they hope this anniversary is a reminder to the world that the people of Haiti still need help.

There will be ceremonies held all week long throughout the county to remember the earthquake and remember those who lost their lives.