Haiti still recovering 12 years after devastating earthquake
Wednesday marks the 12-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people and displaced millions of Haitians.
Wednesday marks the 12-year anniversary of the destructive Haiti earthquake, which killed more than 200,000 people on Jan. 12, 2010. The magnitude 7.0 quake is among the deadliest natural disasters on record, demolishing most of the country’s poorly built infrastructure and displacing millions of Haitians.
The tremor, which struck the island of Hispaniola, near Léogâne -- nearly 26 kilometres west of Port-au-Prince -- also injured 300,000 people and damaged or destroyed 4,000 schools. Also among the victims of the quake were 58 Canadians.
Since the 2010 quake, billions of dollars in total aid has been contributed by international agencies and private donors.
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With 12 years having passed since the disaster, Haiti continues with recovery efforts and is faced with many challenges. Issues such as declining food insecurity and malnutrition, water-borne disease epidemics and high vulnerability to natural disasters have increased pressure on women and children.
Standing and collapsed homes cover the hillside in the Le Vallee de Bourdon neighbourhood Feb. 18, 2010 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The country has also had to deal with the aftermaths of Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Isaac, Hurricane Matthew, drought and political turmoil, among others. Charitable groups such as UNICEF are working with the government and other partners to help affected families.
Thumbnail courtesy of Getty Images.
