Why do earthquakes happen in Haiti but not Dominican Republic?

Haiti sits near the intersection of two tectonic plates that make up the Earth’s crust. Earthquakes can occur when those plates move against each other and create friction. Multiple fault lines between those plates cut through or near the island of Hispaniola, which Haiti shares with the Dominican Republic.

Why is the Dominican Republic so different from Haiti?

Although Christopher Columbus colonized the entire island in the name of Spain, the languages slowly but steadily diverged. The Eastern half, which would become the Dominican Republic retained the Spanish language while the Western Half, modern day Haiti developed a French-influenced Creole as the common tongue.

Does the Dominican Republic have natural disasters?

Climate change is expected to increase the risk and intensity of excess rainfall, storm surges, and hurricanes in the Caribbean, with relatively higher impacts in the Dominican Republic.

What caused Haiti earthquake?

The Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault system is considered likely responsible for Saturday’s quake, as well as the one in 2010, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What other natural disasters are common for Haiti?

Every year large segments of the population suffers from hurricanes, flooding, landslides, droughts and earthquakes. The effects of hurricanes and tropical storms such as wind damage, inland flooding and coastal surge are of significant concern.

Why does Haiti have more earthquakes than the Dominican Republic?

Haiti lies at the intersection of the Caribbean Plate and the Gonâve, Hispaniola, and North Hispaniola microplates, the institutions said. And it’s “caught in the crunch” between the Caribbean and North America plates, where sudden releases of energy in the crust as the two plates grind together cause earthquakes.

Why does Haiti have natural disasters?

Haiti is exposed to a wide spectrum of natural disasters such as droughts, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and landslides. Haiti’s geographical location, combined with its under development, high population density, chronic socio-economic problems and weak infrastructure, makes it a particularly vulnerable country.

Did the Dominican Republic help Haiti during the earthquake?

2010 Haitian earthquake Supplies were transported to Haiti through the Dominican Republic, and many injured Haitians have been treated in Dominican hospitals. Haitian refugees were also taken in and supported by many Dominicans, though relations deteriorated as the refugees have remained in the Dominican Republic.

Why is Haiti more affected by natural disasters than the Dr?

Haiti is a poorer nation than the DR, so when it gets hit by a natural disaster in causes greater devastation which takes longer to repair. There have been multiple natural disasters on the island of Hispaniola where both the Dominican Republic and Haiti are. These include:

How many natural disasters have there been in the Dominican Republic?

There have been multiple natural disasters on the island of Hispaniola where both the Dominican Republic and Haiti are. These include: The 1946 Dominican Earthquake. The 1984 Dominican Earthquake.

What is the difference between Haiti and Dominican Republic?

Haiti is far more corrupt than the DR, meaning that building codes are far more lax and disaster aid is often stolen before it ever reaches the people who need it most. Disasters hit the entire island of Hispaniola. Haiti is simply is worse shape economically and as far as its infrastructure than the Dominican Republic is.

How many people died in the 2004 Haiti earthquake?

The red shaded area shows earthquake fault lines in Haiti, while the yellow shows earthquake fault lines in the Dominican Republic. In 2004, Hurricane Jeanne made landfall at the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. The flooding from Jeanne killed an estimated 3,000 people in Haiti, according to a report from the National Hurricane Center.