2021 Haiti earthquake

Haiti lies within the complex plate boundary zone between the North American plate to the north and the Caribbean plate to the south. This zone is interpreted to contain a number of microplates, particularly the Gonâve microplate, which is bounded to the north by the Septentrional-Oriente fault zone and to the south by the Walton fault zone and the Enriquillo–Plantain Garden fault zone, all of which are active left lateral transform faults. Although dominated by lateral motion the plate boundary zone also accommodates a component of north–south shortening.{{cite journal|doi=10.1111/j.1365-246X.2006.03236.x|last=DeMets|first=C.|author2=Wiggins-Grandison W.|year=2007|title=Deformation of Jamaica and motion of the Gonâve microplate from GPS and seismic data|journal=Geophysical Journal International|volume=168|issue=1|pages=362–378|bibcode=2007GeoJI.168..362D|doi-access=free}} This has led to overall transpression along the main strike-slip faults. The largest earthquake in the region prior to the 2021 event was in 1952, and measured 6.2 magnitude, occurring 35 km to the west.{{cite web|title=M 6.2 – 12 km SE of Corail, Haiti|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/iscgem893622/executive|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=3 December 2021|date=28 October 1952|archive-date=3 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203150039/https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/iscgem893622/executive|url-status=live}}

In the Tiburon Peninsula, the main structure is the Enriquillo–Plantain Garden fault zone, which runs along its length. This fault zone carries almost half of the left lateral displacement between the North American and Caribbean plates, with a displacement rate of about 7 mm per year. The epicentre of the 2010 Haiti earthquake was located at the eastern end of the peninsula and was caused by movement on previously unknown thrust faults that form part of the overall fault zone, without rupturing the main strike-slip fault strand.{{cite journal|last1=Hayes|first1=G.P.|last2=Briggs|first2=R.W.|last3=Sladen|first3=A.|last4=Fielding|first4=E.J.|last5=Prentice|first5=C.|last6=Hudnut|first6=K.|last7=Mann|first7=P.|last8=Taylor|first8=F.W.|last9=Crone|first9=A.J.|last10=Gold|first10=R.|last11=Ito|first11=T.|last12=Simons|first12=M.|year=2010|title=Complex rupture during the 12 January 2010 Haiti earthquake|journal=Nature Geoscience|doi=10.1038/ngeo977|volume=3|issue=11|pages=800–805|bibcode=2010NatGe...3..800H|url=https://authors.library.caltech.edu/21200/2/ngeo977-s1.pdf|access-date=24 August 2021|archive-date=2 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202124109/https://authors.library.caltech.edu/21200/2/ngeo977-s1.pdf|url-status=live}} The same fault zone is thought to have been the source of the 1751 and 1770 earthquakes that destroyed the capital Port-au-Prince.{{cite news |author1=Ben Finley |title=Why Haiti Is Prone to Devastating Earthquakes |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/explainer-why-haiti-is-prone-devastating-earthquakes/2773880/ |access-date=16 August 2021 |agency=WRC-TV |date=16 August 2021 |archive-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816104406/https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/explainer-why-haiti-is-prone-devastating-earthquakes/2773880/ |url-status=live }}

File:2021-08-14 Saint-Louis du Sud, Haiti M7.2 earthquake shakemap (USGS).jpg intensity of earthquake]]

The earthquake occurred as a result of oblique-reverse faulting on an {{cvt|80|km}} section of the Enriquillo–Plantain Garden fault zone, {{convert|125|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}} west of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, consistent with its location and the observed focal mechanism. It had an estimated hypocentral depth of {{convert|10.0|km|mi|abbr=on}}.

Finite-fault inversion and back projection indicated an earthquake rupture on two separate strike-slip and reverse faults that are not connected to the main strand of the plate boundary fault. The initial rupture occurred on a blind thrust fault, but movement transitioned to left-lateral strike-slip faulting. The rupture jumped a restraining bend onto another strike-slip fault; both separate branches of the plate boundary fault, and previously unidentified. The rupture process of the earthquake indicate the highly oblique motion between the two tectonic plates. The restraining bend where the rupture jumped from a reverse fault to a strike-slip fault was located beneath Pic Macaya. The reverse fault, located east of the bend experienced an estimated maximum slip of {{Convert|2.7|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The strike-slip fault produced up to {{Convert|1.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} of left-lateral displacement.{{cite journal |last1=Maurer |first1=J. |last2=Dutta |first2=R. |last3=Vernon |first3=A. |last4=Vajedian |first4=S. |title=Complex rupture and triggered aseismic creep during the August 14, 2021 Haiti earthquake from satellite geodesy |journal=Geophysical Research Letters |volume=49 |issue=11 |date=2022 |doi=10.1029/2022GL098573 |publisher=American Geophysical Union|s2cid=249627345 |doi-access=free }}

The earthquake produced significant afterslip in its aftermath. During the first four days, afterslip east of Pic Macaya released the energy equivalent to a {{M|w}}7.0 earthquake. Movement propagated to the surface three days after the mainshock.

Two weeks after the 2010 earthquake, a paper was published about coulomb stress transfer due to the event. The paper identified two sections east and west of the 2010 rupture which had accumulated significant strain as a result. The 2021 rupture may have been encouraged by the 2010 event due to stress transfer.{{cite journal |author1=Ryo Okuwaki |author2=Wenyuan Fan |title=Oblique convergence causes both thrust and strike-slip ruptures during the 2021 M 7.2 Haiti earthquake |year=2021 |doi=10.31223/X5GG8M |url=https://eartharxiv.org/repository/view/2729/ |publisher=EarthArXiv |s2cid=240419059 |access-date=5 October 2021 |archive-date=4 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004121015/https://eartharxiv.org/repository/view/2729/ |url-status=live }} Although it struck west of the 2010 rupture, a large seismic gap exists between the two events. It is thought that stresses on that section are still insufficient to trigger an earthquake rupture.{{cite journal |author1=Ross Stein |author2=Shinji Toda |author3=Jian Lin |author4=Volkan Sevilgen |title=Are the 2021 and 2010 Haiti earthquakes part of a progressive sequence? |url=https://temblor.net/earthquake-insights/are-the-2021-and-2010-haiti-earthquakes-part-of-a-progressive-sequence-13132/ |journal=Temblor |publisher=Temblor, Inc. |access-date=2 November 2021 |doi=10.32858/temblor.197 |date=17 August 2021 |s2cid=244098659 |archive-date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102122849/https://temblor.net/earthquake-insights/are-the-2021-and-2010-haiti-earthquakes-part-of-a-progressive-sequence-13132/ |url-status=live }}

At least 900 aftershocks have been recorded following the mainshock, the strongest being {{M|w|link=y}} 5.8 in magnitude and centered approximately 65 kilometers further west on the Tiburon Peninsula. Additional tremors shook Les Cayes city on 19 August 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2021/8/19/haiti-earthquake-deaths-aid-victims-les-cayes|title=Photos: Tensions in quake-hit Haiti grow as death toll tops 2,000|access-date=19 August 2021|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819175015/https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2021/8/19/haiti-earthquake-deaths-aid-victims-les-cayes|url-status=live}} On 21 December, a 4.4 magnitude aftershock struck the area,{{Cite web|title=M 4.4 – 9 km WSW of Corail, Haiti|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000ge5x/executive|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=21 August 2022}} causing further damage and injuring 150 people, most of them indirectly.{{Cite web|title=Les remous de l'actualité

|work=Le Nouvelliste|url=https://lenouvelliste.com/article/233314/les-remous-de-lactualite/|access-date=21 August 2022|language=fr}} On 24 January 2022, the same region was struck by two aftershocks, measuring 5.3 and 5.1 {{M|w}}, respectively.{{Cite web|title=M 5.3 – 3 km SSE of Anse-à-Veau, Haiti|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000gek3/executive|publisher=United States Geological Survey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124141134/https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000gek3/executive|archive-date=24 January 2022|access-date=25 January 2022|url-status=live}} The aftershocks killed two people; one from a landslide in Fonds-des-Nègres, and the other in Anse-à-Veau by a collapsing wall. Fifty-two people were also injured. At least 191 houses were destroyed and 600 suffered damage in Nippes.{{Cite web|title=5.3 Magnitude Haiti Earthquake Destroys Over 200 Houses, 2 Killed|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/earthquake-in-haiti-haiti-earthquake-haiti-earthquake-deaths-5-3-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-haiti-2-killed-2727830|agency=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127054120/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/earthquake-in-haiti-haiti-earthquake-haiti-earthquake-deaths-5-3-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-haiti-2-killed-2727830/amp/1|archive-date=27 January 2022|access-date=24 January 2022|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Haïti – FLASH : 2 séismes de magnitude supérieur à 5 (Bilan provisoire MAJ 15h48)|url=https://www.haitilibre.com/article-35794-haiti-flash-2-seismes-de-magnitude-superieur-a-5-bilan-provisoire-maj-15h48.html|website=haitilibre.com|language=fr|access-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127053445/https://www.haitilibre.com/article-35794-haiti-flash-2-seismes-de-magnitude-superieur-a-5-bilan-provisoire-maj-15h48.html|archive-date=27 January 2022|url-status=live}}

{{maplink|from=2021 Haiti earthquake.map|frame-latitude= 18.4|frame-longitude=-73.7|zoom=8|text=Interactive map of 2021 Haiti earthquake}}

According to the USGS PAGER service, the Modified Mercalli intensity scale (MMI) of the earthquake reached VII (Very Strong) in Les Cayes and MMI V (Moderate) in Port-au-Prince.{{cite web |title=M 7.2 – Nippes, Haiti |url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000f65h/pager |publisher=United States Geological Survey |access-date=18 October 2021 |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107143150/https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000f65h/pager |url-status=live }} The earthquake was also felt in Jamaica, where the intensity reached MMI IV (Light) in Kingston.{{cite web |url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/The_longest_ever:_Jamaicans_react_after_quake_rattles_island?profile=1228 |title='The longest ever': Jamaicans react after quake rattles island |publisher=Jamaicaobserver.com |access-date=14 August 2021 |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814165557/https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/The_longest_ever:_Jamaicans_react_after_quake_rattles_island?profile=1228 |url-status=live }}

Widespread tsunami warnings were issued throughout the Caribbean, with waves up to 3 to 10 feet (1–3 metres) high initially expected to hit Port au Prince. The tsunami warning was later rescinded.{{Cite news|last=Paz|first=Isabella Grullón|date=14 August 2021|title=Haiti quake prompted tsunami warning that was later rescinded.|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/14/world/americas/haiti-tsunami-warning.html|access-date=14 August 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814193628/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/14/world/americas/haiti-tsunami-warning.html|url-status=live}} The tsunami only reached {{Convert|3|cm|ft|abbr=on}} in height in that location.

At least 8,444 landslides were triggered across a {{cvt|2,700|km2}} area. A large portion (89.4 percent) of these reported landslides occurred on the hanging wall of the fault—particularly at Pic Macaya National Park which accounted for 72.2 percent of the total or 6,100 reports. The total area of these landslides was {{cvt|45.6|km2}}. Landsliding was more widespread than compared to the 2010 earthquake.{{cite journal |last1=Zhao |first1=B. |last2=Wang |first2=Y. |last3=Li |first3=W. |last4=Lu |first4=H. |last5=Li |first5=Z. |title=Evaluation of factors controlling the spatial and size distributions of landslides, 2021 Nippes earthquake, Haiti |journal=Geomorphology |date=2022 |volume=415 |page=108419 |doi=10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108419 |bibcode=2022Geomo.41508419Z |s2cid=251821883 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169555X22003129}}

The city of Les Cayes, Haiti's third-largest city, was the closest to the epicenter of the earthquake. The city suffered extensive damage including many collapsed homes, places of worship, and commercial buildings. According to the Haitian Civil Protection Agency, at least 37,300 or more homes were destroyed and 46,000 others were damaged as of 16 August.{{Cite news|access-date=15 August 2021|title=Death toll of powerful earthquake in Haiti soars to 1,297|url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/us-world-news/2021/08/14/7-0-magnitude-earthquake-hits-off-the-coast-of-haiti|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814175917/https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/us-world-news/2021/08/14/7-0-magnitude-earthquake-hits-off-the-coast-of-haiti|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2021|title=Haiti: Earthquake – Flash Update No. 2 (16 August 2021) – Haiti|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/haiti/haiti-earthquake-flash-update-no-2-16-august-2021|url-status=live|access-date=16 August 2021|publisher=ReliefWeb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816234852/https://reliefweb.int/report/haiti/haiti-earthquake-flash-update-no-2-16-august-2021 |archive-date=16 August 2021 }} The Haitian Civil Protection General Directorate later reported that more than 60,700 homes have been destroyed and 76,100 others have sustained damages as of 18 August. There were also a number of hotels that were severely damaged or collapsed.{{cite news |author1=Press Association 2021 |title=Hunt for survivors goes on after earthquake leaves at least 304 dead in Haiti |url=https://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/national/19514849.hunt-survivors-goes-earthquake-leaves-least-304-dead-haiti/ |access-date=15 August 2021 |agency=Enfield Independent |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815134343/https://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/national/19514849.hunt-survivors-goes-earthquake-leaves-least-304-dead-haiti/ |url-status=live }} At least 53 medical facilities suffered partial damage while six were totally destroyed. In addition to that, the quake damaged or destroyed 1,060 schools.{{cite web |author1=UNICEF |title=UNICEF Haiti Humanitarian Situation Report No. 4 (Earthquake) – 30 August 2021 |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/haiti/unicef-haiti-humanitarian-situation-report-no-4-earthquake-30-august-2021 |publisher=ReliefWeb |access-date=2 September 2021 |date=30 August 2021 |archive-date=2 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902141157/https://reliefweb.int/report/haiti/unicef-haiti-humanitarian-situation-report-no-4-earthquake-30-august-2021 |url-status=live }}

A report published by the Inter-American Development Bank estimated the total losses at US$1.6 billion, or 9.6% of Haiti's gross domestic product (GDP). The report stated that the estimate was based on a fatality figure of 2,500. The total damage cost range from US$1.5 to 1.7 billion.{{cite journal |author1=Eduardo Cavallo |author2=Laura Giles Alvarez |author3=A ndrew Powell |title=Estimating the Potential Economic Impact of Haiti's 2021 Earthquake |date=2021 |url=https://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/Estimating-the-Potential-Economic-Impact-of-Haitis-2021-Earthquake.pdf |publisher=Inter-American Development Bank |access-date=3 January 2022 |archive-date=3 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103032935/https://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/Estimating-the-Potential-Economic-Impact-of-Haitis-2021-Earthquake.pdf |url-status=live }}

The Immaculee Conception Church of Les Anglais, a historical landmark constructed in 1907, collapsed when the quake struck during a Mass.{{Cite web|date=17 August 2021|title={{sic|nolink=y|reason=error in source|Parishoners}} killed in quake-damaged historic Haiti church|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210817-parishoners-killed-in-quake-damaged-historic-haiti-church|access-date=17 August 2021|website=France 24|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817075439/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210817-parishoners-killed-in-quake-damaged-historic-haiti-church|url-status=live}} The collapse of the facade of the church killed 17 people. Two individuals trapped under the rubble were rescued by nearby construction workers.{{cite news |author1=Amelie Baron |title=Parishioners Killed in Quake-damaged Historic Haiti Church |url=https://www.barrons.com/articles/stocks-potential-compounder-growth-51628888840 |access-date=17 August 2021 |agency=Agence France-Presse |publisher=Barron's |date=16 August 2021 |archive-date=17 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817040055/https://www.barrons.com/articles/stocks-potential-compounder-growth-51628888840 |url-status=live }} At Toirac village, just outside Les Cayes, 20 people died in the collapse of the St. Famille du Toirac church during a funeral Mass.{{cite news |author1=Laura Gottesdiener |title=Haiti mourners tell of church collapse horror during quake |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/haiti-mourners-tell-church-collapse-horror-during-quake-2021-08-17/ |access-date=17 August 2021 |agency=Reuters|date=17 August 2021 |archive-date=17 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817063954/https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/haiti-mourners-tell-church-collapse-horror-during-quake-2021-08-17/ |url-status=live }} In Marceline, a small town 30 minutes away from Les Cayes, the main Catholic church collapsed. Two women cleaning the church were killed. In the Les Cay Diocese, more than 220 Catholic places of worship were destroyed.{{Cite news|title=Churches in Haiti Lie in Ruins After The Earthquake But Still Try To Comfort And Help|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/08/30/1032504117/churches-in-haiti-lie-in-ruins-after-the-earthquake-but-still-try-to-comfort-and|access-date=14 September 2021|publisher=NPR|date=30 August 2021|last1=Sullivan|first1=Becky|last2=Kahn|first2=Carrie|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914160108/https://www.npr.org/2021/08/30/1032504117/churches-in-haiti-lie-in-ruins-after-the-earthquake-but-still-try-to-comfort-and|url-status=live}}

Haitian prime minister Ariel Henry declared a state of emergency due to the high number of casualties and the severe damage.{{cite web|title=Haiti earthquake causes several deaths, 'enormous damage': PM|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/14/powerful-earthquake-strikes-western-haiti|access-date=14 August 2021|publisher=Al Jazeera|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814163324/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/14/powerful-earthquake-strikes-western-haiti|url-status=live}} At least 2,248 people died in the earthquake, including 1,852 in Sud, 227 in Grand'Anse, 167 in Nippes and two in Nord-Ouest.{{cite web|title=Haiti Earthquake Situation Report No. 11|url=https://www.cdema.org/images/2021/09/CDEMA_Situation_Report_11_Haiti_Earthquake__9_Sep_2021.pdf|publisher=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|date=9 September 2021|access-date=13 August 2024}}{{Cite web|last=Charles|first=Jacqueline|date=14 September 2021|title='It's not the end of the world. Life will return.' A month after the Haiti earthquake|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article254213378.html|url-status=live|website=Miami Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915020518/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article254213378.html |archive-date=15 September 2021 }} The Hôtel Le Manguier in Les Cayes collapsed in the earthquake, killing several people, including Gabriel Fortuné, the former senator and former mayor of Les Cayes.{{cite news|date=14 August 2021|title=Haïti-Séïsme: Jean Gabriel Fortuné est mort|language=fr|trans-title=Earthquake in Haiti: Jean Gabriel Fortuné is dead|agency=Vant Bèf Info|location=Cayes, Haiti|url=https://vantbefinfo.com/2021/08/haiti-seisme-jean-gabriel-fortune-est-mort/?noamp=mobile|access-date=14 August 2021|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814173919/https://vantbefinfo.com/2021/08/haiti-seisme-jean-gabriel-fortune-est-mort/?noamp=mobile|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=15 September 2020|title=Tremblement de terre: l'ancien sénateur Gabriel Fortuné parmi les personnes tuées|trans-title=Earthquake: former senator Gabriel Fortuné among those killed|url=https://lenouvelliste.com/article/230981/tremblement-de-terre-lancien-senateur-gabriel-fortune-parmi-les-personnes-tuees|url-status=live|access-date=14 August 2021|publisher=Le Nouvelliste|language=fr|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814164951/https://lenouvelliste.com/article/230981/tremblement-de-terre-lancien-senateur-gabriel-fortune-parmi-les-personnes-tuees}} Portions of the Catholic bishop's residence in Les Cayes collapsed, killing a priest and two employees and injuring Cardinal Chibly Langlois.{{cite news |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248690/cardinal-injured-priest-dead-after-earthquake-in-haiti |title=Cardinal injured, priest dead after earthquake in Haiti |date=14 August 2021 |publisher=Catholic News Agency |access-date=15 August 2021 |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814203417/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248690/cardinal-injured-priest-dead-after-earthquake-in-haiti |url-status=live }} In addition to the deaths, at least 12,763 people have been injured and 329 are still missing.

A report published by UNICEF on 30 August 2021 stated that at least 800,000 people, 250,000 of them children, had been affected by the quake and are in need of humanitarian aid. An estimated 81,000 Haitians have no access to safe drinking water. The United Nations (UN) in Haiti said 650,000 Haitians are in need of humanitarian aid, and the World Food Programme stated that 754,200 are experiencing food insecurity.

According to the UN, Haiti needs more than $187 million of aid to support Haiti after the disaster.{{Cite web|date=25 August 2021|title=Haiti: $187.3 million appeal to support people affected by earthquake|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/08/1098392|access-date=14 September 2021|website=UN News|language=en|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914161523/https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/08/1098392|url-status=live}}

Search and rescue teams of Haitian police and Haitian health department workers were joined by volunteers.{{Cite news|title=Death toll from massive Haiti earthquake soars|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/haiti-earthquake/2021/08/15/c0da6db8-fd35-11eb-911c-524bc8b68f17_story.html|access-date=16 August 2021|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003044912/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/haiti-earthquake/2021/08/15/c0da6db8-fd35-11eb-911c-524bc8b68f17_story.html|url-status=live}} Foreign charities, nongovernmental organizations, and other volunteer groups sent workers, supplies, and equipment to help in the recovery and search and rescue.{{Cite news|last=Arnesen|first=Ingrid|date=15 August 2021|title=Death toll from massive Haiti earthquake soars past 700|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/haiti-earthquake/2021/08/15/c0da6db8-fd35-11eb-911c-524bc8b68f17_story.html|access-date=15 August 2021|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003044912/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/haiti-earthquake/2021/08/15/c0da6db8-fd35-11eb-911c-524bc8b68f17_story.html|url-status=live}}

On 23 August, rescue workers found 24 people, 20 adults, and four children, alive under the rubble of a collapsed building near the mountain Pic Macaya. The survivors were then transported to Camp-Perrin, where they received further treatment for their injuries.{{cite news |title=Twenty-four, including 4 children, found alive in rubble |url=https://haitiantimes.com/2021/08/23/twenty-four-including-4-children-found-alive-in-rubble/ |access-date=23 August 2021 |agency=The Haitian Times |date=23 August 2021 |archive-date=23 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823161419/https://haitiantimes.com/2021/08/23/twenty-four-including-4-children-found-alive-in-rubble/ |url-status=live }} Just a few days before, on 17 August 16 people were rescued from a former UN-occupied building in Les Cayes. Rescuers also recovered nine bodies from the building.{{cite news |title=Sixteen people found alive, 9 dead from building that once housed UN |url=https://haitiantimes.com/2021/08/17/sixteen-people-found-alive-in-rubble-three-days-after-earthquake/ |access-date=23 August 2021 |agency=The Haitian Times |date=17 August 2021 |archive-date=23 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823161419/https://haitiantimes.com/2021/08/17/sixteen-people-found-alive-in-rubble-three-days-after-earthquake/ |url-status=live }}

The UN requested over $180 million to aid in recovery efforts related to providing basic living assistance to victims and the surrounding area.{{Cite web|last=Charles|first=Jacqueline|date=10 September 2021|title=UN urgently appeals for funding to help Haitian children, farmers hit by earthquake|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article254145553.html|url-status=live|website=Miami Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914152407/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article254145553.html |archive-date=14 September 2021 }} Due to the destruction of critical markets and agriculture, the UN Food and Agriculture Administration requested $20 million to aid in recovering farming practices. Grand'Anse, Nippes, and Sudd have been cited as being the most negatively impacted by food loss and scarcity.

Shelter has been cited as the greatest need of the affected region. More than 50,000 homes and shelters were destroyed. Haitian people are sleeping in homes missing roofs and walls, open fields, and public buildings.{{Cite news|title=The U.S. Is Pledging Aid To Haiti But The Success of Past Efforts Has Been Mixed|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/08/26/1031496730/the-u-s-is-pledging-aid-to-haiti-but-the-success-of-past-efforts-has-been-mixed|access-date=14 September 2021|publisher=NPR|date=26 August 2021|last1=Sullivan|first1=Becky|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914160129/https://www.npr.org/2021/08/26/1031496730/the-u-s-is-pledging-aid-to-haiti-but-the-success-of-past-efforts-has-been-mixed|url-status=live}}

The earthquake was also said to have triggered a surge in violent crimes and protests already spiraling out of control.{{Cite web|url = https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/10/1102062|title = Haiti facing stalled elections, kidnapping surge, rampant insecurity|date = 4 October 2021|access-date = 7 November 2021|archive-date = 7 November 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211107090929/https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/10/1102062|url-status = live}} The earthquake is also said to have triggered additional burden on working women and caused a temporary setback in their career progressions.{{Cite web|url = https://metro.co.uk/2021/12/05/haiti-earthquake-the-women-struggling-in-its-aftermath-15686690/|title = Trauma and uncertainty: Women struggling in the aftermath of Haiti earthquake|date = 5 December 2021|access-date = 7 December 2021|archive-date = 7 December 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211207182920/https://metro.co.uk/2021/12/05/haiti-earthquake-the-women-struggling-in-its-aftermath-15686690/|url-status = live}}

{{main|Hurricane Grace}}

Rescue efforts were hindered due to rain from Tropical Depression Grace on 16 August.{{Cite news|date=16 August 2021|title=Haiti quake death toll climbs to 1,419 as heavy rain complicates rescue efforts|work=Axios|url=https://www.axios.com/haiti-earthquake-tropical-grace-rescue-death-toll-4e4f8ef3-5474-48f4-9817-8be1f5685b31.html|access-date=16 August 2021|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817003816/https://www.axios.com/haiti-earthquake-tropical-grace-rescue-death-toll-4e4f8ef3-5474-48f4-9817-8be1f5685b31.html|url-status=live}} The National Hurricane Center forecasted Tropical Depression Grace to produce up to {{convert|15|in|mm}} of rainfall in some spots in Haiti, threatening rescue and recovery efforts in the affected area.{{cite news |title=Haiti braces for Tropical Depression Grace as Fred takes aim at Florida |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tropical-storm-fred-grace-tropical-depression-8-florida-haiti-bermuda/ |access-date=17 August 2021 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=CBS News |date=16 August 2021 |archive-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816201146/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tropical-storm-fred-grace-tropical-depression-8-florida-haiti-bermuda/ |url-status=live }} Torrential rain and flood brought by the storm threatened the affected area with the potential for mudslides.{{cite news |last1=Stevenson |first1=Mark |last2=Sanson |first2=Evans |title=Tropical storm drenching earthquake-stricken Haiti |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/article253538394.html |access-date=17 August 2021 |agency=Associated Press |work=Miami Herald|date=17 August 2021 |archive-date=17 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817124153/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/article253538394.html |url-status=live }}

As a direct result, many villages were left disconnected so the villagers started voluntary rebuilding efforts. The trust towards the government is low in the areas as the citizens do not expect help due to the great complications, further mobilizing the voluntary project.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/18/world/americas/haiti-quake-aid.html |title='We're on Our Own': Many Earthquake Survivors Expect No Help From Haitian Officials |last=Kurmanaev |first=Anatoly |date=20 August 2021 |website=The New York Times |access-date=21 August 2021 |archive-date=20 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820173741/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/18/world/americas/haiti-quake-aid.html |url-status=live }}

According to Prime Minister and acting President Ariel Henry, local hospitals have been overrun by the large inflow of injured victims after the earthquake. Henry declared a month-long state of emergency for the country after the quake.{{cite news |author1=VOA News |title=Haiti Earthquake Death Toll Climbs Past 300 |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/americas_haiti-earthquake-death-toll-climbs-past-3/6209574.html |access-date=15 August 2021 |agency=Voice of America |date=14 August 2021 |location=Port-au-Prince, Haiti |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815114459/https://www.voanews.com/americas/haiti-earthquake-death-toll-climbs-past-300 |url-status=live }}

• {{flag|European Union}}: Three million euros in emergency funding were made available by the EU to meet the most pressing requirements. In order to channel emergency personnel and supplies from France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Spain, Norway, and Sweden, it activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, was one of the first humanitarian partners to mobilize and offer help in order to ensure a prompt and well-coordinated response between humanitarian actors and Haiti's civil protection, thanks to funding from the European Union.{{Cite web |title=Haiti earthquake anniversary: responding to an extraordinary emergency – European Commission |url=https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/news-stories/stories/haiti-earthquake-anniversary-responding-extraordinary-emergency_en |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu}}
• {{flag|Argentina}}: Foreign Minister Felipe Solá ordered the deployment of White Helmets Commission to the area to assist local authorities in humanitarian missions. Solá further stated that Argentina is willing to deploy more personnel in rescue missions.{{cite news |title=Tras el terremoto, la Cancillería argentina organiza ayuda humanitaria en Haití |trans-title=After the earthquake, the Argentine Foreign Ministry organizes humanitarian aid in Haiti |url=https://www.cancilleria.gob.ar/es/actualidad/noticias/tras-el-terremoto-la-cancilleria-argentina-organiza-ayuda-humanitaria-en-haiti |access-date=16 August 2021 |work=cancilleria.gob.ar |agency=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship |date=16 August 2021 |language=Spanish |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815223316/https://www.cancilleria.gob.ar/es/actualidad/noticias/tras-el-terremoto-la-cancilleria-argentina-organiza-ayuda-humanitaria-en-haiti |url-status=live }}
• {{flag|Canada}}: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the nation is "ready to assist in any way" in the wake of the event. A travel advisory was issued against traveling to Haiti by the Canadian government.{{cite news |author1=Helen Moka et Stéphane Blais |title=Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offers help in deadly Haiti earthquake |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8112543/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-offers-help-in-deadly-haiti-earthquake/ |access-date=15 August 2021 |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Global News |date=14 August 2021 |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815005850/https://globalnews.ca/news/8112543/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-offers-help-in-deadly-haiti-earthquake/ |url-status=live }}
• {{flag|Mexico}}: The Mexican government sent a C-295 and a C-130 from the Mexican Air Force, loading 15,400 kg (33,069.3 lb) of medicine and supplies for the people affected.{{YouTube|id=4m-9nREmlRI|title="México al rescate, envía ayuda humanitaria a Haití"}} On 16 August, three aircraft from Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense and Navy arrived in Haiti, carrying aid. The first two aircraft which arrived transported food supplies, sanitation items, and medical supplies. Additional food and survival items arrived on the third aircraft. Rescue and recovery equipment such as forklifts, water filtration devices, lamps, blankets and shovels were also sent to Haiti.{{cite news |author1=El Financiero |author2=AP News |author3=The Washington Post |title=Mexico sends planeloads of humanitarian aid to Haiti |url=https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/mexico-sends-planeloads-of-humanitarian-aid-to-haiti/ |access-date=17 August 2021 |publisher=Mexico News Daily |date=16 August 2021 |archive-date=17 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817125236/https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/mexico-sends-planeloads-of-humanitarian-aid-to-haiti/ |url-status=live }}
• {{Flag|United Nations}}: The UN requested to the Brazilian government, the deployment to Haiti of Brazilian forces of the Army and Marine Corps, in order to secure the stability in the face of ongoing humanitarian crisis.{{cite news|date=16 August 2021|title=Bolsonaro diz que ONU pediu ajuda de tropas brasileiras no Haiti|language=pt|work=Veja|url=https://veja.abril.com.br/blog/radar/bolsonaro-diz-que-onu-pediu-ajuda-de-tropas-brasileiras-no-haiti/|access-date=17 August 2021|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008113017/https://veja.abril.com.br/blog/radar/bolsonaro-diz-que-onu-pediu-ajuda-de-tropas-brasileiras-no-haiti/|url-status=live}} The request was confirmed by President Jair Bolsonaro. The Brazilian Armed Forces also participated in the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) between 2004 and 2017.
• {{Flag|United States}}: President Joe Biden authorized the US response for assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake, appointing USAID Administrator Samantha Power to coordinate in the relief.{{cite news|author1=Celine Castronuovo|date=14 August 2021|title=Biden authorizes US response to Haiti after earthquake|agency=The Hill|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/567884-biden-authorizes-us-response-to-haiti-after-earthquake|url-status=live|access-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814205432/https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/567884-biden-authorizes-us-response-to-haiti-after-earthquake|archive-date=14 August 2021}} The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said on 26 August that US$32 million worth of aid would be provided to Haiti to support the ongoing relief efforts. The money would be used to deliver immediate needs such as medical services, food, shelter, drinking water, and sanitary items.{{cite web |author1=Office of Press Relations |title=USAID provides $32 million to respond to Haiti earthquake |url=https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/aug-26-2021-usaid-provides-32-million-respond-haiti-earthquake |publisher=USAID |access-date=26 August 2021 |date=26 August 2021 |archive-date=26 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826232233/https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/aug-26-2021-usaid-provides-32-million-respond-haiti-earthquake |url-status=dead }}

Additionally, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile and Venezuela had offered assistance in the search for survivors.{{cite news|date=15 August 2021|title=Séisme en Haïti : les recherches se poursuivent pour retrouver des survivants|agency=France 24|url=https://www.france24.com/fr/am%C3%A9riques/20210815-s%C3%A9isme-en-ha%C3%AFti-les-recherches-se-poursuivent-pour-retrouver-des-survivants|access-date=15 August 2021|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815092006/https://www.france24.com/fr/am%C3%A9riques/20210815-s%C3%A9isme-en-ha%C3%AFti-les-recherches-se-poursuivent-pour-retrouver-des-survivants|url-status=live}} A group of 34 firefighters from Ecuador were dispatched to assist in search and rescue efforts.

Japanese professional tennis player Naomi Osaka, who is of Haitian descent, stated in a tweet that she would donate all her prize money at the Cincinnati Masters to support rescue and recovery efforts ongoing in Haiti.{{cite news|date=15 August 2021|title=Naomi Osaka to donate prize money to Haitian earthquake relief efforts|agency=Reuters|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/15/tennis/naomi-osaka-haitian-earthquake-relief-spt-intl/index.html|access-date=15 August 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815095013/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/15/tennis/naomi-osaka-haitian-earthquake-relief-spt-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite tweet|number=1426679983532122126|user=naomiosaka|title=Really hurts to see all the devastation that's going on in Haiti, and I feel like we really can't catch a break. I'm about to play a tournament this week and I'll give all the prize money to relief efforts for Haiti. I know our ancestors blood is strong we'll keep rising 🇭🇹❤️🙏🏾|author=NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ|access-date=15 August 2021|date=14 August 2021}}

American sportswear brand Skechers announced on 19 August that they would be contributing US$1 million in donations to support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. The brand said they would be donating to three organizations; CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), Hope for Haiti and World Central Kitchen.{{cite web |title=Skechers Donates $1 Million to Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts |url=https://footwearnews.com/2021/business/uncategorized/skechers-donation-1-million-haiti-earthquake-relief-efforts-1203169808/ |website=Footwear News |author=Nikara Johns |access-date=20 August 2021 |date=19 August 2021 |archive-date=20 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820015741/https://footwearnews.com/2021/business/uncategorized/skechers-donation-1-million-haiti-earthquake-relief-efforts-1203169808/ |url-status=live }} Kenneth Cole is donating a percentage of their net sales to the St. Luke Foundation and asking their customers to donate $10 for extra support.{{Cite web|title=These Brands and Retailers Are Donating to Relief Efforts in Haiti|url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/brands-retailers-donating-relief-efforts-173100246.html|access-date=20 September 2021|publisher=Yahoo|date=20 August 2021|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213056/https://www.yahoo.com/now/brands-retailers-donating-relief-efforts-173100246.html|url-status=live}} Amazon has sent over 35,000 emergency items to Haiti: including medical supplies, tents, water filters and more.{{Cite web|date=18 August 2021|title=Amazon donates tens of thousands of emergency supplies to aid Haiti|url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/community/amazon-donates-tens-of-thousands-of-emergency-supplies-to-aid-haiti|access-date=20 September 2021|website=US About Amazon|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213109/https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/community/amazon-donates-tens-of-thousands-of-emergency-supplies-to-aid-haiti|url-status=live}}

{{main|Haitian crisis (2018–present)}}

The earthquake escalated the political turmoil in Haiti.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2021/aug/26/haiti-earthquake-corruption-political-crisis|title=Haiti's earthquake has compounded years of corruption and political crisis|first=Jonathan M.|last=Katz|date=26 August 2021|accessdate=6 August 2023|newspaper=The Guardian}} President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his home on 7 July 2021.{{Cite news |last1=Porter |first1=Catherine |last2=Crowley |first2=Michael |last3=Méheut |first3=Constant |date=7 July 2021 |title=Haiti's President Assassinated in Nighttime Raid, Shaking a Fragile Nation|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/07/world/americas/haiti-president-assassinated-killed.html |access-date=19 September 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709014214/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/07/world/americas/haiti-president-assassinated-killed.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|date=14 September 2021|title=Haiti president's assassination: What we know so far|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57762246|access-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210918014549/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57762246|archive-date=18 September 2021|url-status=live}} Forty four people were arrested in connection to the assassination and Moïse's death left Haiti in political turmoil.{{Cite news|last=Kurmanaev|first=Anatoly|date=22 August 2021|title=In Haiti, Need Is Overwhelming, but Some Politicians' Charity Rings False|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/22/world/americas/haiti-earthquake-aid.html|access-date=19 September 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=3 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103100929/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/22/world/americas/haiti-earthquake-aid.html|url-status=live}}

Following the earthquake, gangs had overtaken neighborhoods and villages in Haiti. "According to the National Human Rights Defense Network, there are more than 90 gangs in the country, likely with thousands of members and far more powerful than the police," Bloomberg reports.{{Cite news|date=2 September 2021|title=Gangs Now Run Haiti, Filling a Vacuum Left by Years of Collapse|publisher=Bloomberg News|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-02/gangs-now-run-haiti-filling-a-vacuum-left-by-years-of-collapse|access-date=19 September 2021|archive-date=31 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031134921/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-02/gangs-now-run-haiti-filling-a-vacuum-left-by-years-of-collapse|url-status=live}} Gangs have control over major roads heading south. In mid-August, the gang announced a ceasefire to allow trucks to use the road to provide aid to southern communities. Several trucks were looted at gunpoint, despite the truce. On 19 August, two of Haiti's doctors, including one of the few orthopedic surgeons, were kidnapped. It is unclear whether gangs were responsible for these abductions; however kidnapping is a common gang practice. The kidnappers contacted the doctor's families, however the ransom demands are unknown.{{Cite web|date=19 August 2021|title=Gangs abduct 2 doctors in Haiti, including a needed surgeon|url=https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-haiti-gangs-7e3768c0facf523ec085ab592fd1c47c|access-date=20 September 2021|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212641/https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-haiti-gangs-7e3768c0facf523ec085ab592fd1c47c|url-status=live}}

File:Haiti Earthquake 1.jpg | A destroyed building.

File:Haiti Earthquake 3.jpg | Destruction across the street.

File:Haiti Earthquake 6.webp | Exterior damage.

File:Haiti Earthquake 9.jpg| Damage to a building. Rubble strewn all over.

{{Portal|Haiti|Earth sciences}}

• List of earthquakes in 2021
• List of earthquakes in Haiti
• List of earthquakes in the Caribbean

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{EQ-isc-link|620986707}}
• [https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/haiti-earthquake-08-14-21/index.html Live Update: 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits near Haiti] CNN
• {{ReliefWeb-link|eq-2021-000116-hti}}

{{Earthquakes in 2021}}

{{Earthquakes in the Caribbean}}

{{Haiti topics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Haiti earthquake, 2021}}

Category:2021 disasters in North America

Category:2021 earthquakes

earthquake

Category:August 2021 in Haiti

2021

Category:Earthquakes in the Caribbean

Category:Buried rupture earthquakes