FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 24, 2022

Haiti: 5.3 earthquake strikes vulnerable region on January 24, 2022

Malteser International Americas prepares emergency response

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NEW YORK, UNITED STATES / PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI 

At 8:16am local time this morning in Haiti, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake with a depth of 10 kilometers has struck Anse-à-Veau in the Nippes region, causing widespread confusion and panic. While reports are still coming in, the USGS reports there were multiple tremors in the vicinity in the hours following the initial quake, and the AP reports at least two deaths and damage to infrastructure.  The Malteser International Americas team is assessing the immediate impact on the ground and will report back shortly.   

This earthquake comes days after the anniversary of the 2010 humanitarian disaster – where a 7.0 quake killed over 200,000 people in Haiti – and just a few months after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in August of 2021 – in which 2,200 people were killed and over 135,500 homes destroyed – reminding many of a painful past.   

First responders are on high alert in their rescue efforts, wary of knock-on impacts from the earthquake, such as landslides and damaged buildings. 

“This latest earthquake has struck again where we have an operating presence in the department Nippes. Fortunately, we have our team on the ground. This enables us to respond quickly in the same manner and effectiveness as in response to the 7.2 quake on August 14, 2021. The communities we work in look to Malteser International Americas to rebuild, we will continue to ensure that the best possible aid is provided to those who need it most,” says Ravi Tripptrap, Executive Director of Malteser International Americas.

Malteser International Americas is preparing emergency response measures to address this crisis and support those directly impacted on the ground. As more information becomes available about the earthquake, we will continue to provide updates and situation reports as the damage is assessed and we unpack this latest incident. 

Malteser International Americas is an affiliate of Malteser International and is the worldwide relief and development organization of the Sovereign Order of Malta. The organization provides aid to people in need in around 125 projects in 30 countries, regardless of their religion, origin or political convictions. Christian values and the humanitarian principles form the basis of its work. Further information: www.orderofmaltarelief.org  

Attention editors:
Carla Wehmeier, Project Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean (carla.wehmeier(@)malterser-international(dot)org) and,

Yolette Etienne, Project Coordinator in Haiti, (yolette.etienne(@)malteser-international(dot)org) are available for interviews and sound bites. 

Press Contact: : Ilaria Ghelardoni, Communications Manager (ilaria.ghelardoni(@)malteser-international(dot)org) 

Keyword: “Haiti”

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