Recent earthquakes in Haiti
Haiti sits on the boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates, crossed by two major strike-slip faults: the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault in the south and the Septentrional Fault in the north. Strain on these faults releases in shallow, often devastating earthquakes. The 2010 earthquake (M7.0) near Port-au-Prince was one of the deadliest in recorded history. In the past 24 hours, Haiti has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Haiti have earthquakes?
Haiti lies along the boundary where the Caribbean and North American plates slide past each other. Two major strike-slip faults cross the country, and strain accumulating on them releases in shallow earthquakes close to populated areas.
What happened in the 2010 Haiti earthquake?
On January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince on the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault. Estimated deaths ranged from roughly 100,000 to over 200,000, and it destroyed much of the capital, making it one of history's deadliest earthquakes.
Has Haiti had other major earthquakes?
Yes. Haiti was struck by large earthquakes in 1751 and 1770, and again on August 14, 2021, when a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in the country's southwest killed over 2,000 people. Its major faults remain capable of further large events.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.