Haiti: Tsunami warning issued following 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Nippes Department /update 1

Event

Although officials at first stated there was no threat of a tsunami, they have subsequently issued warnings stating that tsunami waves are possible along some coasts of Haiti following a magnitude-7.2 earthquake in Nippes Department, on Haiti's Tiburon Peninsula, Aug. 14. The epicenter was about 12 km (8 miles) northeast of Saint Louis du Sud.

Incoming social media reports indicate several structures have collapsed and casualties occurred. Initial unconfirmed reports indicate the damage has focussed on Saint Louis du Sud, Les Cayes, Aquin, Jeremie, and Les Anglais. The official casualty toll will almost certainly rise in the coming hours. Though unconfirmed, damage to telecommunications, internet and water infrastructure is highly likely given the magnitude and shallow depth of focus of the earthquake. Transport disruptions are also likely following the earthquake. Multiple aftershocks have occurred, some of them over magnitude-5.0; further such aftershocks are likely.

Elsewhere in the region, the temblor was likely felt in eastern Cuba, Jamaica, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and southern parts of the Bahamas, though damage is not likely in these locations.

Advice

Move away from the immediate coastline; tsunamis can be long-duration events, and the threat may persist for hours. Vacate multistoried buildings or unreinforced structures in areas where strong shaking occurred; aftershocks could cause additional damage. Cellular networks may be overwhelmed; use text messaging if services are available. Due to the threat of landslides, seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected area.