07 Oct 2018 | 08:20 PM UTC
Haiti: At least 14 dead following 5.9-magnitude earthquake on Oct. 6 /update 2
At least 14 people killed after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake off the northwest coast of Haiti on October 6; damages to buildings reported; further aftershocks possible
Event
At least 14 people were killed, with at least 188 more suffering injuries, after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck at 20:11 (local time) on Saturday, October 6 off the northwest coast of Haiti, approximately 20 km (12.5 mi) west-northwest of Port-de-Paix (Nord Ouest department). Damage to buildings and infrastructure was reported in Port-de-Paix. Power outages and transportation disruptions are likely in the area in the coming days. Further aftershocks cannot be ruled out.Context
Earthquakes are relatively common in Haiti, which sits along the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault zone. The country is still recovering from a 7.0-magnitude earthquake in 2010.
Advice
Individuals present in the impacted region are advised to monitor the situation, be prepared for further aftershocks, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and not to cross a roadblock without permission. Individuals elsewhere in Indonesia are advised to defer all travel to the affected areas until further notice.
During an earthquake, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows and exterior walls, and do not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from any tall structures, such as buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.
