August 16, 2021

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Earthquake structural engineers and disaster recovery experts from Miyamoto International arrived in southern Haiti’s disaster zone on Monday to assist with damage assessments, urban search and rescue, and recovery strategies after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the island on Saturday. The epicenter of the quake was approximately 125 kilometers (80 miles) west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Jeremie, Les Cayes, and Baradères were three of the most severely damaged urban areas in the impacted region. Over one million people were affected, with the death count nearing 1,300 as the search for survivors continues. The island is also bracing for Tropical Depression Grace, which is expected to make landfall on Tuesday.

The Second Major Earthquake to Strike Haiti in 11 Years

Miyamoto was extensively involved in the response and recovery efforts after the 2010 quake that killed more than 200,000 people, injured hundreds of thousands more, and left over 240,000 buildings damaged or destroyed. In the aftermath, Miyamoto established a permanent office in Port-au-Prince and has been working with Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency to develop an advanced damage assessment digital app and platform. Miyamoto’s earthquake and structural engineering specialists have helped train hundreds of government and private-sector engineers throughout Haiti in preparation for swift recovery efforts in response to disasters such as this weekend’s quake.

Miyamoto’s Port-au-Prince-based engineers have already arrived at the disaster zone, with Miyamoto’s disaster recovery expert, Sabine Kast, expected to arrive later this week.

“This is a real tragedy, especially after the recent assassination of Haiti’s President. USGS forecasts a significant chance of over 10,000 fatalities. We will be there to assist Haiti for a fast and meaningful recovery process. Haiti has been preparing for this for the past 11 years. We will continue to help the people of Haiti in whatever way we can.” – Dr. Kit Miyamoto, CEO