Haiti

• When did the earthquake hit Haiti?

  It occurred on the 12th of January 2010 in the late afternoon.
• Where did the earthquake impact?

  The epicentre was 25 km west of the capital, Port-au-Prince, where 2 million Haitians live (the most dense area of Haiti).
• What was the magnitude of the earthquake?

  The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.2. which is a higher than average magnitude for Haitians, leading to more fear as there was more destruction.
• •The earthquake was 13 km deep, meaning Haitians were not at risk of floods but were impacted more by the actual land movements. Leading to the destruction of over 250,000 houses.
• What was the cause of the seismic event?

  • The quake occurred near the northern boundary, where the Caribbean tectonic plate shifts towards the North American plate around 20 mm per year (conservative plate boundary).
  • The quake was specifically caused by a rupture of the Enriquillo Plantain Garden Fault, which had been locked for 250 years gathering energy.
• In total, 250,000 homes were destroyed by the quake, but over 1.5 million Haitians were left homeless. Why did the number of people left homeless exceed the number of houses destroyed?

  1. High Population Density: Many homes in Haiti, especially in urban areas like Port-au-Prince, were overcrowded, with multiple families or several individuals sharing a single household.
  2. Partial Damage
  3. Loss of Livelihoods
  4. Informal Housing
  5. Fear of Aftershocks: Many residents chose not to return to their homes, even if they were still standing, due to fear of aftershocks and the potential for further collapse.
• Perceptions of seismic events have not changed:

  Limited Government Action: Despite expert advice, progress on earthquake preparedness remains slow. For example, during a 2021 earthquake, there were no warning systems, and hazards were downplayed, reflecting a lack of awareness that still remains even after the 2010 event.
• Perceptions before the Haiti 2010 event:

  1. Religious Views: Haiti’s largely Roman Catholic population often interpreted the disaster as “God’s will,” reflecting fatalistic attitudes.
  2. Earthquake Unpredictability: Seen as both a barrier and a motivation for preparedness. Researchers found Haitians more focused on resilience and training despite limited financial resources.
• Changed Perceptions: After the 2010 earthquake, many became more cautious and prepared, especially those who lost loved ones, striving to avoid a repeat of the tragedy.
• Impacts

  250,000 residential and 30,000 commercial properties were destroyed or needed to be demolished due to construction standards being low in Haiti.
• Death toll caused by the earthquake:

  • Haitian government estimate: approximately 316,000 deaths.
  • Other organisations' estimates: Between 100,000 and 160,000 deaths.

  The discrepancy in the numbers arises from challenges in gathering accurate data due to the widespread destruction, overwhelmed infrastructure, and lack of resources for proper accounting.

  In addition to the death toll, the earthquake injured over 300,000 people.
• Total damages estimated at $8–$14 billion.
• Haiti’s GDP shrank significantly due to the event, worsening poverty.
• The 2010 earthquake caused limited access to clean water, and healthcare led to outbreaks of diseases like cholera.
• Impacts due to the event also include:

  • Many children became orphans.
  • Slow recovery due to lack of resources, weak governance, and reliance on international aid.
  • Poor housing and sanitation in temporary camps.
• What were some of the immediate short-term responses to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti?

  • Haitians used bare hands to find survivors.
  • International search teams struggled due to the dense urban environment.
  • The US sent 5,500 troops for relief and security. They also took control of the airport to speed up the distribution of aid and reopen piers in Port au Prince.
  • The UN sent 1600 peacekeepers.
  • The UK disaster emergency committee provided bottled water and purification tablets to 250,000.
  • The UN provided basic foods and gave seeds to farmers to help rebuild agriculture.
  • Emergency camps
• After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, international donors pledged over $13 billion for recovery and reconstruction efforts.
• Haiti received $100 million for immediate aid from the US.
• Long-term aid after the earthquake:?

  • 90% of displaced people moved out of camps by 2014.
  • Permanent housing built by NGOs like Habitat for Humanity.
  • Focus on earthquake-resistant buildings. Majority of slums were demolished and rebuilt according to new, safer building codes.
  • Cholera prevention programs after the outbreak.
  • Haiti’s debt was cancelled by the IMF and others.
  • Schools rebuilt with funding from organisations like UNICEF.
  • Reforestation and sustainable farming projects.
  • Emphasis to focus on follow-up care.
• • The Haiti Releif Fund manages $11.5 billion in reconstruction packages with controls in place to prevent corruption. Due to be completed by 2020. Improved governance to streamline aid and reduce corruption.