Six Months After Major Tremor, Another Earthquake Strikes Haiti
The 5.3-magnitude quake is in same region as the August 2021 earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people
Posted on Jan 24, 2022
On January 24 at 8:16 a.m., a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti—only a few kilometers from the major quake in August 2021. The epicenter was in Miragoane, located in the country's southern peninsula.
Reuters cites the U.S. Geological Survey reporting "that the first quake hit an area near the city of Les Cayes and was followed by tremors of 4.4 and 5.1 in the same area, just six months after a major tremor in the same region killed more than 2,000 people."
A damage assessment is now underway, according to staff at Zanmi Lasante, as Partners In Health is known in Haiti. So far, according to the Zanmi Lasante team and news reports, two people are dead and 30 are wounded. About 30 homes are mildly damaged, and there's "a significant level of panic and fear amongst communities," according to PIH Chief Operating Officer Dr. Patrick Ulysse.
Zanmi Lasante leaders will closely monitor developments in the affected area and ensure that our existing support for the August earthquake also includes adequate assistance in response to emerging needs. A Zanmi Lasante team is currently working in the area and will be dispatched as needed.
We at PIH stand in solidarity with our colleagues and communities in Haiti during this tumultuous time. .
