Tiburon Peninsula Earthquake, Haiti, 2021 Case Study

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Tiburon Peninsula Earthquake, Haiti, 2021 Case Study

When and Where Did It Occur?
In August 2021, a significant earthquake struck the Tiburon Peninsula in Haiti. The earthquake was magnitude 7.2 and was centred approximately 150 km west of Port-au-Prince, with a shallow focus of 10 km depth.

Why Did It Occur?
The earthquake occurred due to the complex interaction of tectonic plates near Haiti, where the Caribbean Plate moves eastward relative to the North American Plate. This tectonic activity is typical for the region, which is known for its seismic vulnerability.

Short-term Impacts
The immediate aftermath of the earthquake was devastating:

Approximately 2,250 people were killed, and over 12,750 were injured.
The earthquake resulted in widespread damage, estimated between US $1.5 and $1.7 billion.
Over 900 aftershocks followed the main event, with significant ones occurring into 2022, causing additional fatalities and damages.
Hurricane Grace compounded the disaster the following day, triggering thousands of landslides further destabilising the region.
Significant infrastructural damage included the destruction or severe damage of 137,500 buildings, over 50 medical facilities, and 1,000 schools, particularly affecting Les Cayes, Haiti’s third-largest city.

Long-term Impacts The earthquake’s long-term consequences have been profound:

The primary ongoing need has been for adequate shelter, with many Haitians still displaced or living in inadequate conditions.
There is a continued demand for basic services, such as food, water, medical care, and access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Efforts to rebuild critical infrastructure such as communications, transport, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and electrical supplies are ongoing.
Six months after the earthquake, Haiti estimated it required around $2 billion for recovery and reconstruction, focusing on social services, housing, health, education, and food supply.
The research into building resilience, using remote sensing and local volunteer data collection, has influenced plans to ensure future buildings are more earthquake-resistant.

Summary

When and Where?
In August 2021, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Tiburon Peninsula in Haiti, approximately 150 km west of Port-au-Prince, with a shallow depth of 10 km.
Cause
The earthquake was caused by the eastward movement of the Caribbean Plate relative to the North American Plate, a region known for its high seismic activity and vulnerability.
Short-term Impacts
The quake resulted in approximately 2,250 deaths and over 12,750 injuries, with damages estimated between US $1.5 and $1.7 billion. Over 900 aftershocks and the subsequent Hurricane Grace caused further extensive damage, including destroying 137,500 buildings.
Long-term Impacts
Ongoing challenges included the need for shelter for displaced populations, the rebuilding of infrastructure, and the continuous demand for basic services like healthcare and clean water. Six months after the disaster, Haiti required an estimated $2 billion for comprehensive recovery and rebuilding.
Resilience and Recovery
Efforts to increase earthquake resilience are underway, incorporating advanced research and local community involvement to design more robust structures for future safety.