Earthquake In Haiti 2010 Magnitude

The 2010 Haiti Earthquake

A Devastating Disaster

7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Haiti

On January 12, 2010, a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, devastating the island nation. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 15 miles (25 kilometers) southwest of the capital city of Port-au-Prince, with the quake striking at 16:53 local time (21:53 UTC). The shallow depth of the earthquake, just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) below the surface, amplified its destructive power.

The earthquake caused widespread devastation in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, with buildings collapsing, roads being damaged, and the city's infrastructure severely impacted. The Presidential Palace, the National Palace, and the Port-au-Prince Cathedral were among the many landmark structures destroyed. The earthquake also triggered landslides and tsunamis, further exacerbating the damage and loss of life.

The earthquake caused an estimated 300,000 deaths, injured an estimated 300,000, and displaced more than a million people. The Haitian government estimated that the earthquake caused $8 billion in damage to the country's infrastructure and economy.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, the international community mobilized to provide aid and support to Haiti. Relief workers from across the globe provided medical assistance, food, water, and shelter to those affected by the disaster. The United Nations, the United States, and other countries provided significant financial assistance to help Haiti rebuild and recover from the devastation.