EARTHQUAKE IN AN LEDC - Haiti

Question 1

What is the tectonic setting of the earthquake?

Answer 1

• Carribean and North American
• Fault reaches Haiti

Question 2

What was the magnitude of the earthquake?

Where was the epicentre?

How deep was the focus?

Answer 2

• 7
• 20km from the capital, Port au Prince
• 13km deep

Question 3

When was the Earthquake?

Answer 3

January 12th 2010

Question 4

Human impacts (long and short term):

Answer 4

• 316,000 people died
• Houses collapsed -> More than 1 million became homeless
• Commercial buildings collapsed > 1/5 jobs lost, damage to clothing industry

Question 5

Environmental Impacts (short and long term):

Answer 5

1. Sea levels changed, some buildings fell into sea
2. Fires damaged areas of woodland

Question 6

Why was Haiti vulnerable?

Answer 6

• Phenomenon called ‘pancaking’ caused by poor building quality
• 80% population below poverty line

Question 7

What was the response to the earthquake?

Answer 7

1. EU gave $330 million
2. Port airport and UN HQ destroyed, hindering aid efforts