Haiti 2010 Earthquake-How to Explain Such Huge Losses?

Laurent Hou; Peijun Shi

doi:10.1007/s13753-011-0003-x

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Article Navigation > International Journal of Disaster Risk Science > 2011 > 2(1): 25-33

Laurent Hou, Peijun Shi. Haiti 2010 Earthquake-How to Explain Such Huge Losses?[J]. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2011, 2(1): 25-33. doi: 10.1007/s13753-011-0003-x

Citation:

Laurent Hou, Peijun Shi. Haiti 2010 Earthquake-How to Explain Such Huge Losses?[J]. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2011, 2(1): 25-33. doi: 10.1007/s13753-011-0003-x

Laurent Hou, Peijun Shi. Haiti 2010 Earthquake-How to Explain Such Huge Losses?[J]. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2011, 2(1): 25-33. doi: 10.1007/s13753-011-0003-x

Citation:

Laurent Hou, Peijun Shi. Haiti 2010 Earthquake-How to Explain Such Huge Losses?[J]. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2011, 2(1): 25-33. doi: 10.1007/s13753-011-0003-x

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Haiti 2010 Earthquake-How to Explain Such Huge Losses?

doi: 10.1007/s13753-011-0003-x

Laurent Hou^{1,2
,
,},
Peijun Shi^2,3,4

1 Paris 4 University(Sorbonne), ENEC(Espace, Nature et Culture), 1 rue Victor Cousin, 75005 Paris, France;
2 State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China;
3 Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Natural Disasters, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China;
4 Academy of Disaster Reduction and Emergency Management, Ministry of Civil Affairs and Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China

Funds:

The authors would like to thank the Open Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology at Beijing Normal University for providing support for this study (Grant No. 2009-KF-14). They also express their gratitude towards Mr. Michel Korinman who supervises Laurent Hou's work in France. Many thanks also go to Mr. Jean-Marie Theodat who is currently working hard to redevelop the Haitian higher education system.

Available Online: 2021-04-26

Abstract

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010, with emphasis on the disaster losses. This catastrophic event has entered world history as one of the most destructive earthquakes on record. Yet, we only have a very incomplete idea of the losses it caused. Conflicting estimates have been published by different institutions, organizations, and individuals. The article tries to present the reasons why this event, which was a strong but not an exceptional earthquake, has caused so much devastation.
- disaster losses,
- disaster response,
- earthquake,
- Haiti,
- vulnerability

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References(39)

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