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Haiti struck by massive earthquake

13 January 2010

Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, was struck by a massive 7·0 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday evening (12 January). It is the worst earthquake to hit the Caribbean nation in more than 200 years.

Reports from the US Geological Survey show that the quake hit just a few miles south of Port-au-Prince at 16:53 (21:53 GMT) and was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5·9 and 5·5 magnitude.

Dr Roger Musson, a seismologist at the British Geological Survey (BGS), said, "The situation In Haiti is similar to the San Andreas Fault in California in that two plates are sliding past one another. The fault in this case is called the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault. This fault has been locked for the last 250 years gradually accumulating stress which has now been released in a single large earthquake."

Another BGS seismologist, Dr Brian Baptie, added, "Earthquakes of this size always have aftershocks that can last for many weeks. These always punch above their weight, affecting buildings that have already been damaged and hampering relief efforts."

The extent of the devastation is still being assessed but there is massive damage to buildings and there are fears that many thousands of people may have died. A number of nations, including the UK and USA, have pledged aid and assistance to the people of Haiti.

Dr David Kerridge, Head of Earth Hazards at the BGS, said, "With an earthquake of this size and the mountainous terrain there is a strong possibility of landslides which may have caused many casualties in more remote parts of the island. Due to disruptions in communications the full extent of the disaster might not be clear for a few days."

Up-to-date seismic analysis is available from the British Geological Survey.

The Times Online is providing live updates as more news becomes known.

Further information

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Press release: 01/10