Shaking from the January 12, 2010, Haiti earthquake (M 7.0) triggered many landslides that blocked roads, dammed rivers and streams, and threatened infrastructure in many parts of Haiti. When the scope of the disaster became clear, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), requested that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assess various seismic hazards, including those from landslides. Using funding provided by OFDA, USGS scientists conducted a preliminary hazard assessment, which included helicopter reconnaissance of areas affected by landslides and ground inspections at some accessible landslide sites. This brief report summarizes assessment activities and preliminary findings and offers photographic coverage of landslide damage; further mapping and hazard assessment continues.

First posted February 22, 2011