The oblique convergence of 20 mm (2 cm) per year between the Caribbean plate and the North American plate causes a deformation of the boundary of the plates, making our island a risky region. Some earthquakes are directly related to the sliding process between these two plates, others more superficial result of the deformation of the Caribbean plate.

Since the earthquake of January 2010, scientists from the Technical Unit of Seismology (UTS) of the Bureau of Mines and Energy, are looking at the evolution of active faults, on the spatial distribution of aftershocks and the nature geological of soil in Haiti likely of amplifying the effects of seismic waves.

In its latest report covering the third quarter of 2015 (July to September), the UTS in partnership with the National Observatory of the Environment and Vulnerability (ONEV) of the Ministry of Environment, has registered and located in Haiti during the third quarter of 2015, approximately 13 micro-earthquakes of magnitudes between 2.12 and 4.4 on the Richter scale and of low to moderate intensities.

Compared to the first two quarters of the year, for which it was recorded about twenty micro-earthquakes per quarter, the number appears to have decreased by almost 35% during the last quarter. However, technicians of the UTS remain cautious and indicate that between July 20 and August 19, 2015, frequent reception problems of internet signals were observed in the UTS Data Centre, which could explain the decline of earthquake records.

Of 13 tremors recorded in Haiti during the third quarter, ten (76.9%), was located along the southern peninsula between Thiotte and Anse-à-Veau, while 5 were located at sea.

The Seismology Technical Unit, reminded the public that in the state of the science, earthquakes are not predictable and can occur at any time. Therefore, prevention actions is and remains of rigor such as: respect for seismic building standards and the learning of what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

HL/ HaitiLibre