Impact of the Haiti Earthquake

The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic seismic event that struck the nation of Haiti, causing widespread devastation. The earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.0 and was centered near the town of Léogâne, approximately 25 kilometers west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The impact was profound, with estimates of the death toll ranging from 110,000 to 316,000 individuals. This disaster not only resulted in a staggering loss of life but also left over 1.5 million people homeless, as entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble. The infrastructure of the country, already fragile due to economic challenges, was severely compromised, with hospitals, schools, and government buildings collapsing under the force of the quake. The aftermath saw a humanitarian crisis unfold, with urgent needs for food, water, and medical assistance becoming paramount as international aid organizations mobilized to provide relief.