On Saturday, February 13th, Southern Haiti was hit by a 4.9 magnitude earthquake, resulting in three fatalities and multiple injuries. The earthquake struck at around 6:30 am local time, with its epicenter located about 12 kilometers southeast of the town of Petit Trou de Nippes, in the Nippes department.
The earthquake caused significant damage to homes and buildings in the affected areas, leaving many people homeless. The three fatalities were reported in the town of L’Asile, where two people were killed when their home collapsed, and another person died after being hit by a falling object. At least 12 people were injured, with some suffering serious injuries.
The earthquake was felt across the southern part of Haiti, including in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Many people were left shaken by the tremors, which lasted for several seconds. The earthquake comes at a time when Haiti is already dealing with a political crisis, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Haitian government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and has promised to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake. The government has also called on international aid organizations to provide support in the form of food, water, and medical supplies.
Haiti is located in a seismically active region, and earthquakes are not uncommon in the country. In 2010, a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck Haiti, killing more than 200,000 people and leaving millions homeless. The country is still struggling to recover from that disaster, and the recent earthquake is likely to further complicate the situation.
The earthquake is a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response. It is essential for governments and aid organizations to have plans in place to respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters like earthquakes. This includes having adequate supplies of food, water, and medical equipment, as well as trained personnel who can provide assistance to those in need.
In conclusion, the recent earthquake in Southern Haiti is a tragic reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The government and aid organizations must work together to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake and to prepare for future disasters. It is essential to prioritize disaster preparedness and response to ensure that communities are resilient in the face of natural disasters.
