Haiti Earthquake

Earthquake Aftermath

It is believed that at least 52 aftershocks have occurred since the original quake hit. These measured at 4.5 magnitude or greater.

It is estimated that over three million people were affected by the earthquake in Haiti. The Haitian President, Rene Preval, stated on January 27, that nearly 170,000 dead bodies had been counted.

Buildings Flattened

Reports claim as many as 20,000 commercial buildings and over 225,000 residences have collapsed or been severely damaged. Extensive damages occurred at Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, and other communities in the area.

Many noted landmark buildings have been lost, including the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly building, the Port-au-Prince Cathedral, the United Nations Stabilization Mission headquarters, and the main jail.

Officials and leaders killed include Monsignor Joseph Serge Miot, Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Micha Gaillard, the opposition leader, and Hedi Annabi the Missions Chief of the United Nations Stabilization Mission.

Communications Hindered

Damage to communication systems, air, land, and sea transport facilities, hospitals, and electrical networks hampered immediate rescue and aid efforts.

The Port-au-Prince morgues were quickly filled and many thousands of bodies have been buried in mass graves. Sadly, on January 23, the Haitian Government officially called off the search for more survivors.

This came on the heels of the announcement of January 22, by the United Nations, saying that the emergency phase of the relief operation was coming to a close. This is by far the most devastating earthquake Haiti has seen in decades.


What Caused The Haiti Earthquake?

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