August 10, 2021

A major magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near Haiti, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.


Petit-Trou-de-Nippes, Haiti | U.S. Geological Survey

Watercolor painting based depiction of A major magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near Haiti, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. (2021)

No significant earthquake event of magnitude 7.2 struck near Haiti on August 10, 2021. However, a major earthquake did occur on August 14, 2021. Here are the details of that event:

Earthquake in Haiti - August 14, 2021

Overview

On August 14, 2021, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 struck the Tiburon Peninsula in the southern part of Haiti. This seismic event led to significant destruction and a considerable loss of life, compounding the challenges faced by the nation which was still recovering from the catastrophic earthquake of 2010.

Impact and Damage

  • Casualties: The earthquake resulted in at least 2,200 fatalities, with thousands more injured.
  • Infrastructure: Thousands of homes, as well as public buildings like schools and hospitals, were either damaged or completely destroyed.
  • Affected Regions: The hardest-hit departments were Sud, Grand’Anse, and Nippes, where infrastructure collapse was most severe.

Response and Challenges

  • Humanitarian Aid: The response effort was initially hampered by damaged transport infrastructure and political instability. However, international aid began to reach the affected areas, providing crucial support in terms of medical assistance, food, and shelter.
  • Political Context: The earthquake occurred just over a month after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, adding a layer of political instability to the humanitarian crisis.

Aftermath and Consequences

  • Aftershocks: The days following the earthquake saw numerous aftershocks, which hindered rescue operations and exacerbated the suffering of the victims.
  • Long-term Impact: This disaster highlighted Haiti’s vulnerabilities related to construction practices, emergency preparedness, and governance. Efforts to rebuild continue to this day, facing challenges from socio-political issues and economic constraints.

The earthquake of August 14, 2021, is a stark reminder of the geological vulnerabilities Haiti faces and underscores the importance of building resilience against natural disasters.

Note: Make sure to cross-reference with reliable sources for updates or additional information related to the earthquake and its aftermath.

Source: www.usgs.gov