The government of
Haiti estimated that 250,000 residences and
30,000 commercial buildings collapsed or were
severely damaged. The earthquake caused major
damage in Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, and other settlements in the region. Many landmark buildings were
significantly damaged or destroyed, including the
Presidential Palace, the National Assembly building,
the Port-au-Prince Cathedral, and the main jail.
Communication systems; air, land, and sea transport
facilities; hospitals; and electrical networks were