Haiti Earthquake 2010 Magnitude

**Devastating 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Haiti** On January 12, 2010, a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck approximately 15 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital. The tremor occurred at 4:53 pm local time, causing widespread devastation. The earthquake's epicenter was located near Léogâne, a town southwest of the capital. The shallow depth of the earthquake, estimated at 10 kilometers, exacerbated its impact. The earthquake triggered a series of aftershocks, including several of magnitude 5.0 or greater. Buildings collapsed across the country, including hospitals, schools, and residential areas. The initial reports indicated that over 220,000 people perished in the disaster, and hundreds of thousands more were injured. The earthquake had a profound impact on Haiti, a country already grappling with poverty and political instability. The disaster destroyed essential infrastructure, disrupted communication systems, and made it difficult to provide aid to the affected areas. International aid organizations and governments responded swiftly to the crisis, providing medical assistance, shelter, and supplies. The United Nations launched a massive humanitarian operation to support the Haitian people in the aftermath of the earthquake. The 2010 Haiti earthquake remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the global obligation to assist those in need.