Epicenter - source: USGS
Digital News Report – Haiti was hit with a very unusual and large earthquake late Tuesday afternoon (see video below). Rescue teams from southern California and other parts of the world are poised to deliver aid and assistance as soon as the Haitian government requests it.
The U.S. Geological Survey reports that the magnitude was 7.0 on the Richter scale. The quake struck at 21:53:09 UTC (1:53 Pacific Time). This was the largest earthquake ever recorded in that part of the world.
The quake leveled buildings and shantytown dwellings. Electricity and phone services were out as fires burned throughout Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Local reports indicate that other than the fires, the city was dark Tuesday night.
The Port-au-Prince airport was damaged and unable to handle aircraft. This is slowing relief efforts.
Throughout California, buildings are strengthened for the inevitable earthquake. This was not the case in Haiti.
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