High Death Toll Feared In Massive Haiti Earthquake
The massive earthquake
that struck western Haiti on Saturday morning has sparked fears of devastation similar to that caused by the 2010 earthquake that slammed the country
with the US Geological Survey estimating thousands of deaths, though
its location far from the country’s most densely populated areas could reduce the death toll.
INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT
According to the USGS, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred in the center of the Tiburon Peninsula in southern Haiti around 8:30 a.m. Eastern time Saturday.
The extent of the damage and fatalities is unclear, but images and videos posted on social media indicate major structural damage in locations like Les Cayes, where a hotel reported to have collapsed and a hospital is overflowing with the injured.
According to the Miami Herald, after the earthquake, a warning for “threatening tsunami waves”
was issued, and the video showed water rushing into Les Cayes as residents fled through the streets.
A death toll of at least 1,000 people is 77 percent likely, according to a USGS algorithm designed to forecast
earthquake impacts, with a 42 percent likelihood of 10,000 or more deaths and a 13 percent possibility of at least 100,000 deaths.
AN AMAZING FACT
Saturday’s earthquake, which has a preliminary magnitude of 7.2, is likely to be stronger than the 7.0 earthquake that hit in 2010, killing well over 100,000 people.
The quake on Saturday, on the other hand, struck some 100 miles west of Port-au-Prince, in a far less densely populated area.
In 2010, the center of the earthquake was just 16 miles west of the capital city.
Following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti, at least 227 persons died.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BACKGROUND
Haiti has been in upheaval for many weeks since President Jovenel Mose was assassinated on July 6.
The assassination’s motivations are still unclear.
The country’s presidency presently held by Ariel Henry, who took over as prime minister and temporary president on July 20.
According to the Miami Herald, Henry’s government activated the nation’s emergency response system on Saturday and was assessing the damage.
Natural disasters represent a significant danger to Haiti.
The country poorest in the Western Hemisphere, with many structures not built to the standards needed to withstand catastrophic earthquakes, which are a possibility give the country’s position along major fault lines.
Because of the high human density in mountainous regions, even small tropical storms may produce catastrophic mudslides due to rain.
WHAT TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR
A Tropical Storm of Grace anticipated to hit Hispaniola on Monday, and it may have an impact on Haiti.
READING RECOMMENDATIONS
An earthquake struck Haiti, causing widespread devastation.
It may be much more catastrophic than the 2010 disaster. (Source: Miami Herald)
Haiti’s First Lady lands in Florida alive after being shot during her husband’s murder (Forbes)
