Somerville Hosting Event On 13th Anniversary Of Haiti Earthquake

SOMERVILLE, MA — Thirteen years after a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, the City of Somerville and the Missionary Church of the Haitian Community will mark the anniversary with a ceremony next week.

Considered "a reflection," the event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. next Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Missionary Church of the Haitian Community, located at 100 Temple St. in Somerville. The event is free and open to all who wish to attend.

According to the United Nations, 220,000 people reportedly died, some 300,000 people were injured, and 1.5 million became homeless as a result of the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake.

"The (Somerville) event offers a space to reflect on and remember Haiti's devastating 2010 earthquake and to affirm the resiliency of the Haitian community and culture," the City of Somerville said in a statement.

At the event, journalist and sociologist Jean-Samuel Trezil will deliver the keynote address. The evening also will feature music and dance performances and food. Additionally, representatives from Somerville's Office of Immigrant Affairs, the city's Department of Racial and Social Justice and other community partners are scheduled to deliver remarks.

The event will be interpreted into Haitian Creole, according to organizers. Interpretation into additional languages can be requested by emailing the city at somerviva@somervillema.gov or by calling 617-666-3311.