Haiti's Earthquake

Haiti's Earthquake

Three years ago in 2010 a disastrous earthquake struck Haiti; the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. An earthquake occurred in Haiti due to sliding plates which move relative to one another. The Caribbean and North American plates slide past one another in an east-west direction; this is known as a strike-slip boundary. Haiti sits in two seismic fault lines and a major disaster was expected. Seismologists have known for years that a devastating earthquake was likely to hit Haiti, they just didn't know when. The Haiti earth quake was a tremendous tragedy. It was the strongest temblor to hit the Island nation in more than 200 year, and the death toll ran into the thousands and measured 7.0 on the Richter scale.

Many destroyed homes and buildings were so carelessly constructed that they were unlikely to survive any disaster, let alone an earthquake like the one that devastated Port-au-Prince. Haiti is now living off of the benefit of the "structures" of shelter they have left, as well as relying on hope that help and donations are being sent. With population of 10 million people, many had lost their families and loved ones. 3,500,000 people were affected by the quake, 220,000 people were estimated dead, and 300,000 people were injured. Seismologists have always warned the people of Haiti of the terrifying hits that were in reach of their Island. An even stronger one is likely to hit again within the next twenty or so years.

Geologists suggest Haiti's protection over the Island continue to grow stronger and sturdy, though it's hopeless to think, there is more intense danger coming back to hit. Structural geologists analyze rocks by studying deformation, fracturing, and folding of the Earth's crust .Field work usually consists of making observations, exploring the Earth's interior by drilling or via geophysical tools and collecting samples. Construction engineers and architects need to be familiar with earthquakes because, when an earthquake occurs, land bases and building formations shift and in order to tell where and when an earthquake happened.

Due to mining accidents and construction failure, construction engineers usually always take geologist's recommendation for safety. Politicians on the other hand, affect the roles of geologists and construction engineers or architects in relation to earthquakes. These three professions are working together for earthquake preparedness, by ensuring the highest quality safety and most current regulations are in place when deciding to build residential or commercial residences in the future. In the aftermath they're all coordinated to plan and rebuild everything that has been destroyed.

To my understanding the three professions worked as best as they could considering the facts, and trying to coordinate within a third world country. They should continue to evaluate