2018 Haiti earthquake facts for kids
 Location in Haiti
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| UTC time | 2018-10-07 00:11:49 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 612859364 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | October 6, 2018 |
| Local time | 19:11:49 (UTC−05:00) |
| Magnitude | 5.9 Mww |
| Depth | 24.0 km (15 mi) |
| Epicenter | 20°02′28″N 72°58′30″W / 20.041°N 72.975°W |
| Areas affected | Haiti, Dominican Republic |
| Max. intensity | V (Moderate) |
| Tsunami | No |
| Aftershocks | 2 |
| Casualties |
|
On October 6, 2018, a strong earthquake hit Haiti. It happened at night, around 8:11 p.m. local time. The ground shook powerfully near Port-de-Paix, a city in Haiti.
This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.9. It caused shaking that could be felt far away. Even people in the capital city, Port-au-Prince, felt the ground move. Sadly, at least 18 people died because of the earthquake. Many others were also hurt.
This event was the strongest earthquake to hit Haiti in eight years. The last big one was on January 12, 2010.
Contents
Understanding Earthquakes in Haiti
Haiti is a country located on a tectonic plate boundary. This means that large pieces of the Earth's crust meet there. When these plates move or rub against each other, it can cause earthquakes.
What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface. This shaking is caused by a sudden release of energy. This energy comes from the movement of rocks deep underground. It creates seismic waves that travel through the Earth.
Measuring Earthquake Strength
Scientists use a scale called magnitude to measure how strong an earthquake is. A higher number means a stronger earthquake. The 2018 Haiti earthquake was a 5.9 magnitude event. This is considered a moderate to strong earthquake.
Depth of the Earthquake
The 2018 earthquake happened about 24 kilometers (15 miles) deep. Earthquakes that happen closer to the surface often cause more damage. This is because the energy has less distance to travel before reaching the ground.
Impact and Aftermath
The earthquake caused damage to buildings and homes. Many people were left without a safe place to stay. Rescue teams worked hard to help those who were injured. They also looked for people who might be trapped.
Casualties and Injuries
The earthquake led to 18 deaths. More than 500 people were injured. These numbers show the serious impact of the shaking. Many families were affected by this natural disaster.
Aftershocks
After a main earthquake, smaller quakes can happen. These are called aftershocks. The 2018 Haiti earthquake had two aftershocks. Aftershocks can cause more damage to already weakened structures. They can also make people feel scared and unsafe.
Comparing to the 2010 Earthquake
The 2010 Haiti earthquake was much stronger. It had a magnitude of 7.0. That earthquake caused widespread destruction. It also led to a very high number of deaths. The 2018 earthquake was not as powerful. However, it still caused significant harm. It reminded everyone of Haiti's vulnerability to earthquakes.
See also
In Spanish: Terremoto de Haití de 2018 para niños
