The 2010 Hatian Earthquake



Haiti is a country that is considered the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. This caused worry to some and speculation that the Hatian government's emergency services would not suffice in the context of a real emergency.

These fears were realized on January 12, 2010 when a magnitude 7 earthquake struck Port-au-Prince. In the immediate aftermath it was seen that the National Palace, once standing elegantly and tall, was now caved in across the facility under its own weight. This palace was unfortunately never rebuilt and at its location sits an empty lot.

The National Penitentiary was another building that suffered major damage, but it was one that had more profound effects. Already considered an overcrowded prison, its managers were grossly unprepared for a disaster of this magnitude to occur. Physical breakdown of the prison's barriers allowed over 4,000 violent inmates to escape into the country.

The Place du Marron before the earthquake seemed to be a calm, peaceful park. However after the earthquake this place turned into a gathering spot for both survivors and relief efforts. I imagine it was also a spot that people would think to go to to find lost loved ones in the ensuing chaos of the aftermath of this terrible tragedy. It took years for this place to see no people living there any more; this shows the long-term effects of the earthquake.


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