Haiti: Reports of damage and casualties following earthquakes in Nippes Department Jan. 24-25 /update 1

Event

Authorities in Haiti have reported that two people were killed, around 50 others injured, and hundreds of homes damaged in the Nippes Department after a 5.3 magnitude earthquake followed by several aftershocks hit the region Jan. 24-25. One person was killed by a wall collapsing and another by a landslide triggered by the earthquakes. Reports indicate as many as 200 homes have been destroyed and around 600 others damaged. The initial magnitude-5.3 earthquake occurred at around 08:16 EST Jan. 24, and the epicenter was about 3 km (2 miles) south-southeast of Anse-a-Veau. Shaking from the earthquake was felt through much of Haiti, although most of the damage has been limited to Nippes Department. Several aftershocks have been recorded in the area through Jan. 25, including a magnitude 5.1 aftershock at 09:06 Jan. 24.

Response and recovery operations are likely to be ongoing in Nippes Department over the coming days and may cause disruptions to ground transportation in the area. Further aftershocks are also likely in the near term and could trigger landslides and cause buildings, already made insecure by the previous earthquakes, to collapse.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides. Heed the instructions of the local authorities.