Haiti’s citizen seismologists helped track its devastating quake in real time

Two scientists explain new and ongoing efforts to understand Haiti’s seismic hazards

people climb over building rubble in Les Cayes

The magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Haiti on August 14 has killed at least 1,900 people and caused widespread damage in the country’s southern peninsula, including in Les Cayes (shown).

Richard Pierrin/Getty Images

On August 14, a powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti, triggering landslides, toppling buildings and killing at least 1,900 people, with over 9,000 people injured.