The 2010 Haiti earthquake was the deadliest natural disaster of the 21st century for a single country, killing up to 316,000 people.
Key Facts
- Magnitude
- 7.0 Mw
- Death toll (govt estimate)
- 220,000–316,000 people
- People affected
- 3,000,000 people
- Aftershocks (≥4.5) by 24 Jan
- 52
- Buildings collapsed/damaged
- 250,000 residences; 30,000 commercial
- Telethon funds raised
- 58,000,000 USD
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Haiti's extreme poverty, weak building codes, and history of national debt exacerbated by prejudicial trade policies and foreign intervention left its population highly vulnerable to seismic events. The epicenter was located near the town of Léogâne, approximately 25 kilometres west of the densely populated capital, Port-au-Prince.
On 12 January 2010 at 16:53 local time, a magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake struck Haiti, causing catastrophic destruction across Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, and surrounding areas. Major landmarks including the Presidential Palace, National Assembly building, and the MINUSTAH headquarters collapsed, killing tens of thousands instantly and trapping many more.
At least 52 aftershocks followed within two weeks, and mass graves were required to manage the overwhelming death toll. International humanitarian aid poured in, and a global telethon raised $58 million, yet aid distribution delays, looting, and logistical failures hampered relief. The Haitian government officially ended the survivor search on 23 January 2010.
Human Cost
Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 100,000 (earthquake)
Range: 100,000 – 316,000