Port-au-Prince, Haiti – January 12, 2010, 5:30 p.m. EST
A catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near its capital, Port-au-Prince, late Tuesday afternoon, causing widespread devastation and prompting immediate fears of a humanitarian crisis.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter of the quake was approximately 10 miles off the coast of Port-au-Prince, a bustling city with nearly 2.5 million residents. The quake’s shallow depth of about 6 miles underground amplified its destructive power, sending shockwaves across the region.
Initial reports from the Associated Press indicated that a hospital had collapsed, highlighting the severity of the disaster. There were no immediate comprehensive reports of damage or casualties, but the potential for significant loss of life and property damage was evident.
The earthquake triggered a tsunami watch for Haiti and parts of the Caribbean, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. However, the USGS noted that historical data suggested a destructive, widespread tsunami was unlikely.
As rescue operations and assessments begin, the full scale of the disaster remains unclear. The coming hours and days will be critical in determining the extent of the damage and the immediate needs of the affected population.
This developing story continues to unfold, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
