07 Oct 2018 | 04:07 AM UTC
Haiti: Three deaths reported from Oct. 6 earthquake in northwest /update 1
At least three people have died from a 5.9-magnitude earthquake off the northwest coast of Haiti on October 6; some damage to buildings reported; further aftershocks possible
Event
At least three people died as a result of a Saturday, October 6, earthquake off the northwest coast of Haiti. Some buildings in Port-de-Paix (Nord Ouest department) were reportedly destroyed, but no major damage has been reported as of 23:45 (local time). The tremor was felt across northern Haiti, including Cap-Haitien. Further aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days.
Context
A shallow earthquake hit Haiti around 20:11 on October 6, approximately 20 km (12.5 mi) west-northwest of Port-de-Paix. 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.
