Lifestyle

Earthquake in Northern Haiti Shakes Heifer Projects

By Annie Bergman

Last Updated: October 9, 2018

Earthquake in Northern Haiti Shakes Heifer Projects

In This Article

  • A 5.9 magnitude earthquake shook Haiti late Saturday
  • The quake was centered on the northern tip of the island nation
  • Heifer has projects in the region that sustained some damage
  • Heifer is assessing damage now
Haitians look at damage caused from a 5.9 magnitude earthquake. AP Photo Dieu Nalio Chery
Haitians look at damage caused from a 5.9 magnitude earthquake. AP Photo Dieu Nalio Chery

-----UPDATED Tuesday, Oct. 9 10 a.m.-----

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake shook Haiti late Saturday, toppling some buildings and killing at least 15 people. Heifer Haiti Country Director Hervil Cherubin said the quake was felt throughout the island nation, and the worst of the damage to Heifer participant homes appears to be Saint-Louis du Nord, where many houses have been damaged. 
Here's what we know:

  • The most affected regions are in the Northwest regions of Port-de-Paix, Saint-Louis du Nord, Artibonite (Gros Morne) and Chansolme. 
  • Cherubin said conversations with Heifer beneficiaries in Saint-Louis du Nord indicate almost 30 of them have lost or suffered damages to their houses. Heifer is working on verifying that information now.
  • While the government is reporting a death toll of 15, it appears no Heifer beneficiaries were injured. 
  • All Heifer staff and their families are accounted for. We are monitoring the situation to see if a visit to Saint-Louis du Nord is warranted. 
  • Heifer plans on visiting the areas by the end of the week. Aftershocks are forcing them to wait.

Cherubin said he has not heard of any impact on animals so far, but that the country is also experiencing heavy rains that is causing flooding in some areas.  

According to other news sources, this is the strongest quake to hit Haiti since the 7.0 temblor in 2010. You can find more information about the earthquake, injuries and damage at the following links.

The Guardian: At least 11 die after 5.9 magnitude earthquake strikes Haiti
PBS Newshour: Haiti earthquake kills 11, injures 135
CNN: Magnitude 5.9 earthquake hits Haiti

We will update this post with more information as it becomes available. 

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