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ACAPS Briefing Note: Haiti - Earthquake (12 October 2018)

Countries
Haiti
Sources
ACAPS
Publication date
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A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Haiti on 6 October, and was followed by a magnitude 5.2 aftershock on 7 October and a magnitude 4.2 aftershock on 8 October. The departments affected by seismic activity were Artibonite, North and North-West. So far, 17 people have died and at least 421 have been injured. The earthquakes destroyed 353 houses and damaged 7,430. An estimated 31,132 people were affected, although needs assessments are still being completed.

Considering the presence of UN agencies, the scale of pre-positioned aid and the reported response by the government as well as national and external relief actors, the need for international assistance and the impact are estimated at low to moderate.

Anticipated scope and scale

The sudden influx of injured people is likely to further strain an already weak healthcare system.

Shelter needs are likely to remain until damaged buildings are repaired.

Some residents who experienced the devastating earthquake of 2010 are afraid to return to their houses, and are reportedly sleeping outdoors.

Needs for psychosocial support may also grow.