This powerpoint was compiled on 14 January just two days after the devastating earthquake to hit Haiti. I have purposely avoided including precise data, aware that things will change as the days pass. The presentation could be used with any year group though it is probably more suited to older students such as those preparing for EDEXCEL's A2 research unit about tectonic activity and hazards. Having seen the presentation students could be asked to explain why the death rate is likely to be so high. There are many direct and indirect factors that could be included.
2. Earthquake struck at 1653 (2153 GMT) with its epicentre 16k S W of Port-au-Prince
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9. The first priority for the Red Cross is search and rescue and then providing first aid. Then it will evaluate the damage and needs of the people, and cater for the most vulnerable and the most affected by providing emergency health care, water and shelter. The latest reports suggest that over 3 million people may be homeless and without food and water. Determination
18. China indicated that eight of its peacekeepers are buried and feared dead, with another 10 unaccounted for. The Jordanian army has three of its peacekeepers dead and 21 wounded. The Brazilian army said four of its peacekeepers were killed and a large number were missing. A French official told AFP that about 200 people were missing in the collapsed Hotel Montana, which is popular with tourists.
19. Many poorly constructed homes have been simply swept away by the magnitude of the quake A view of the Canape-Vert area of Port-au-Prince shows hundreds of homes destroyed
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21. The Presidential Palace in Port-au-Prince seen before and after the earthquake There have been dozens of aftershocks in the immediate area with one as high as 5.9 and another at 5.5. With the buildings still standing being shaken by these aftershocks more masonry could easily fall. Listen to this eyewitness %2Fworldservice%2Fmeta%2Fdps%2F2010%2F01%2Femp%2F100113%5Fhaiti%5Fdixie%5Fbickle%2Eemp%2Exml&config_settings_showPopoutButton=true&config_settings_language=en&config_settings_displayMode=audio&config_settings_showFooter=true&"></embed></object>
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24. Caribbean Plate North American Plate Convergence Strike-slip = epicentre The earthquake occurred on a strike-slip fault (transform margin), with the crust on each side of the fault moving horizontally relative to the other side. On the eastern edge of the plate, the boundary runs perpendicular to the direction of relative plate motion, causing convergence and hence subduction, exemplified by the presence of volcanoes in the area, like Montserrat, shown here. Montserrat Enriquillo Fault
