Building collapse is one reason why so many people were killed in the Haiti earthquake. An article on the CNN website explores the possibilities of an earthquake proof building.
Mike Blanpied of the United States Geological Survey gives a briefing on the recent Chile earthquake and why that country did not suffer as many deaths as the far less powerful earthquake in Haiti.
“To help assess the potential threat of more large earthquakes in Haiti and nearby areas, scientists at The University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Geophysics are co-leading three expeditions to the country with colleagues from Purdue University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the U.S. Geological Survey and five other institutions.” Quoted from the University of Texas at Austin press release.
A world map on the New York Times website shows the location of high-population cities in earthquake-prone areas where a large number of people live in poorly constructed buildings. Although the analysis predates the 2010 Haiti earthquake it still contains important information.
This Earth Science Picture of the Day shows mass wasting occurring on some hills close to Cange, Haiti. Although the photo was taken just prior to last month’s earthquake, the limestone hills had long since succumbed to mechanical erosion.
Natural disasters are inevitable, but the severe damage that they sometimes cause is not. Information and preparation are the keys to minimizing destruction in areas with known geologic hazards. Haiti could benefit significantly by incorporating knowledge about earthquakes, landslides, and hurricanes in their rebuilding efforts.
When a city is severely affected by a natural disaster, two options are to either fortify the structures to withstand the region’s natural hazards, or move the city to a safer location. Should Port-au-Prince be relocated?
“In response to the recent, tragic earthquake that struck southern Haiti, we have made the following papers open access (free). These papers address the Caribbean plate and the Enriquillo-Plaintain fault line….” Quoted from the GSA website.
A teenage girl was rescued from a caved-in home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 15 days after the earthquake. The survivor, Darlene Etienne, was close to dying from dehydration, and was immediately taken to a hospital.
People who give to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti can claim these donations on their 2009 federal tax return. Cash contributions made to these charities after January. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. Get full information at the IRS website.
“The aftershock sequence of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Jan. 12, 2010, will continue for months, if not years. The frequency of events will diminish with time, but damaging earthquakes will remain a threat.”
Here is an amazing story about a man who survived for 11 days in the rubble of a collapsed hotel in Haiti – and worked to pull himself from the rubble.
This is a slideshow of aerial photos taken the day after the magnitude 7 earthquake in Haiti. They show the damage in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, and the surrounding residential areas.
As Haiti copes with the aftermath of the magnitude 7 earthquake, which struck on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, the U.S. Geological Survey is working to gather information that can aid response efforts. Michael Blanpied, USGS Earthquakes Hazards Program coordinator, gives an update on the current situation in Haiti and answers questions about the global picture.
U.S. Geological Survey Director Marcia McNutt asked a team of USGS earthquake scientists to provide an evaluation of the earthquakes facing Haiti now and in the future. This is the statement in its entirety from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Lack of sanitation and infections have become a major concern in Haiti. Thousands of lives will likely be claimed by these problems as recovery and cleanup operations move slowly.
This article at MSN gives a summary of this morning’s 6.1 magnitude aftershock, fleeting rescue efforts, problems currently being faced by earthquake survivors and future recovery.
A magnitude 6.1 aftershock occurred beneath Haiti at about 6:00 AM local time. Although this earthquake was not as strong as last week’s earthquake and was farther away from major population it was still strong enough to damage weakened structures and frighten people.
Surrounding the epicenter of the recent earthquake in Haiti, many landslide hazard areas have been identified. Images from NASA’s EO-1 satellite show some of the mountaintops that could become compromised, especially by rainfall.
About 1.7 million people are affected by the earthquake that occurred in Haiti on January 12, 2010. Aid is spread thin, violence is a problem, and countless people are still in need of help. This article gives a brief update on relief efforts, and links to a slideshow and videos with more information.
To assist earthquake relief agencies, affected government jurisdictions, groundwater professionals involved in the relief effort, and the news media, the National Ground Water Association has launched a Web page with useful information resources which include:
* Contact information for organizations involved with overseas groundwater projects
* NGWA’s Best Suggested Practice for Residential Well Cleaning
* Article: Earthquakes and Water Wells
* Article: Well Drillers Cope with Earthquakes
* Article: Diagnosing Structural Failures in Wells
* Article: Water Levels Drop in Quake Region
* Article: Effects of Alaska Quake Felt at a Distance
* Article Abstract: Hydrological Effects of the 1998 Pymatuning Earthquake in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
This Landsat Geocover image shows the city of Port-au-Prince (purple) and a segment of the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault trending E-W just south of the city.
The recent earthquake in Haiti has generated a medical crisis. Injured people are more numerous than facilities can treat, transporting injured to treatment is difficult to impossible, sanitary conditions are dangerous and disease will likely become a serious problem within just a few days.
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