Scientists: Aftershocks in Haiti could continue for ... years

The U.S. Geological Survey issued a preliminary assessment last week, concluding that aftershocks in Haiti are likely to continue for months and possibly years — and that over the next 30 days the probability of a magnitude 6.0 or greater quake was 1 in 4. The chance of a magnitude 5.0 or greater quake in that period was 90%.

The government has encouraged residents to sleep on the streets until their homes can be tested for structural integrity.

“We all have to take precautions,” said Marie-Laurence Jocelyn Lassegue, the culture and communications minister. “If you are sleeping in the street, stay together. We’ll do our best to get tests very soon.”