ToplineThe U.S. Geological Survey has warned of devastation in western Haiti following a massive earthquake on Saturday morning. However, the earthquake's location is far away from the most densely populated areas of the country and could reduce the death toll.After Saturday's major earthquake, significant damage has been reported in southwest Haiti. gettyThe Key FactsAt 8:30 AM Eastern on Saturday, the USGS recorded a magnitude 7.2 earthquake. The epicenter was located near the Tiburon Peninsula in southwest Haiti. Although little is known about the extent of the damage or casualties, photos and videos shared on social media show extensive damage to buildings in towns such as Les Cayes. There, a hotel was reportedly destroyed and the hospital overwhelmed by the injured. The alert for tsunami-like waves was also issued after the earthquake. According to the Miami Herald, some videos show water flowing into Les Cayes while people run in the streets. The USGS tool for estimating earthquake impacts right after an earthquake put the death toll at at least 1,000 at 77%. There was a 42% chance that 10,000 people would die and a 13% chance that at least 100,000 people would die.Surprising FactThe earthquake's preliminary magnitude of 7.2 would indicate that it was more powerful than the 2010 earthquake of 7.0 magnitude, which probably killed over 100,000 people. The earthquake that struck Saturday was located 100 miles west from Port-au-Prince, but in a less densely populated region. The epicenter for the 2010 earthquake was located only 16 miles from the capital.Important BackgroundAfter President Jovenel Moe's assassination on July 6, Haiti has been in turmoil for the past few weeks. The motives behind the assassination of President Jovenel Mose are not yet clear. Ariel Henry, Haiti's prime minister and acting president on July 20, is now the nation's president. According to the Miami Herald, Henry's office activated the nation’s emergency response program and was assessing damage on Saturday. Haiti is very vulnerable to natural catastrophes. Haiti is one of the most vulnerable countries in the Western Hemisphere. Many structures are not up to the standards required to withstand major earthquakes. High populations in mountainous areas can also lead to catastrophic mudslides from rain.What to WatchTropical Storm Grace is expected to strike Hispaniola on Monday and could have an impact on Haiti.Continue readingHaiti is rocked by a major earthquake. It could be even more powerful than the 2010 disaster (Miami Herald).Haiti's First Lady, Still Alive, Arrives in Florida after Being Shot during Husbands Assassination (Forbes).
