Haiti 2010
Causes of the Earthquake
Playlist
Effects
Primary Effects
- Massive destruction: The earthquake, measuring 7 on the Richter scale, caused widespread devastation in the country. Approximately 70% of buildings in the capital city of Port-au-Prince collapsed, and infrastructure damage was extensive.
- High casualty toll: The earthquake resulted in a significant loss of life. The final death toll was estimated to be around 230,000 people, including UN personnel, trained health workers, and civil servants. Many others were injured.
- Displacement and homelessness: The earthquake left approximately 1.5 million people homeless. Survivors sought refuge in makeshift camps set up in open spaces throughout Port-au-Prince. The lack of proper sanitation and access to clean water in these camps created significant challenges.
- Infrastructure destruction: The earthquake caused the destruction of critical infrastructure, including hospitals, health centers, schools, and government buildings. Roads and communication networks were severely damaged, hindering rescue and relief efforts.
- Amputations and injuries: The earthquake caused a large number of injuries, with an estimated 4,000 people requiring amputations due to their injuries. The limited medical facilities and resources added to the challenges of providing adequate medical care.
- Loss of cultural heritage: Several historical landmarks and cultural sites were destroyed or severely damaged, including the National Palace, cathedrals, and museums, leading to the loss of Haiti’s cultural heritage.
- Impact on prisons: The earthquake resulted in the destruction of the Prison Civile, leading to the escape of approximately 4,000 prisoners.
- Economic losses: The earthquake caused significant economic losses, estimated at around $8 billion. The destruction of infrastructure, businesses, and livelihoods had a long-term impact on the country’s economy.
Secondary Effects
Disease outbreaks: Following the earthquake, Haiti experienced a major cholera outbreak. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between October 2010 and December 2019, there were approximately 820,000 reported cases of cholera in Haiti, resulting in 9,792 deaths.
Food insecurity: The earthquake had a severe impact on agriculture in Haiti. The United Nations estimated that around 60% of Haiti’s agricultural production was lost, resulting in increased food insecurity. According to the United Nations World Food Programme, in 2010, an estimated 3.5 million Haitians, out of a population of approximately 10 million, required food assistance.
Disrupted education: The earthquake damaged or destroyed over 4,000 schools in Haiti. As a result, an estimated 1.5 million children were unable to attend school immediately after the earthquake, as reported by UNICEF.
Psychological and emotional trauma: A study conducted by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) found that following the earthquake, 30% of the Haitian population showed symptoms of PTSD, 29% experienced depression, and 41% reported anxiety.
Disruption of social services: The earthquake severely impacted healthcare facilities in Haiti. The Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population reported that 60% of health facilities in the affected areas were damaged or destroyed, exacerbating the challenges in providing adequate healthcare services.
Migration and refugee crisis: The earthquake led to a significant displacement of people within Haiti and across its borders. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that approximately 1.5 million people were displaced within Haiti, and an estimated 60,000 Haitians migrated to neighboring countries in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Economic and employment challenges: The earthquake caused an estimated $7.8 billion in damage, which was equivalent to 120% of Haiti’s GDP in 2009. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimated that the earthquake resulted in the loss of over 230,000 jobs.
Environmental consequences: The earthquake triggered numerous landslides and caused significant coastal changes. According to a study published in the journal “Nature Geoscience,” the earthquake led to coastal uplift of up to 0.8 meters (2.6 feet) in some areas and subsidence of up to 0.6 meters (2 feet) in others.
Responses
Massive destruction: The earthquake, measuring 7 on the Richter scale, caused widespread devastation in the country. Approximately 70% of buildings in the capital city of Port-au-Prince collapsed, and infrastructure damage was extensive.
High casualty toll: The earthquake resulted in a significant loss of life. The final death toll was estimated to be around 230,000 people, including UN personnel, trained health workers, and civil servants. Many others were injured.
Displacement and homelessness: The earthquake left approximately 1.5 million people homeless. Survivors sought refuge in makeshift camps set up in open spaces throughout Port-au-Prince. The lack of proper sanitation and access to clean water in these camps created significant challenges.
Infrastructure destruction: The earthquake caused the destruction of critical infrastructure, including hospitals, health centers, schools, and government buildings. Roads and communication networks were severely damaged, hindering rescue and relief efforts.
Amputations and injuries: The earthquake caused a large number of injuries, with an estimated 4,000 people requiring amputations due to their injuries. The limited medical facilities and resources added to the challenges of providing adequate medical care.
Loss of cultural heritage: Several historical landmarks and cultural sites were destroyed or severely damaged, including the National Palace, cathedrals, and museums, leading to the loss of Haiti’s cultural heritage.
Impact on prisons: The earthquake resulted in the destruction of the Prison Civile, leading to the escape of approximately 4,000 prisoners.
Economic losses: The earthquake caused significant economic losses, estimated at around $8 billion. The destruction of infrastructure, businesses, and livelihoods had a long-term impact on the country’s economy.