Aquila Earthquake, 2009

Created by: Jessica
Created on: 09-06-14 12:03


	Aquila Earthquake, 2009
	Causes Caused by the African Plate colliding with the Eurasian Plate on a COLLISION BOUNDARY. Main shock occurred at 03:32 on the 6th April 2009. 5.8 on the Richter scale Epicentre was near L'Aquila, which is the capital of Abruzzo. Felt 92km away in Rome. Several thousand foreshocks and aftershocks, starting from December 2008.	Effects 297 people died, 20 of whom were children. 1,500 injured 3,000-11,000 buildings damaged, even some which were believed to be earthquake-proof Around 40,000 people were made homeless and had to be provided accommodation in camps. 10,000 were housed in hotels along the coast. Foreign aid was refused by the Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi. However, the US' donations to help rebuild infrastructure were accepted. Dust and heavy particles remained in the air for a long time afterwards, causing respiratory problems. Tourist interest in the area dropped as it was deemed unsafe. Tax billing and mortgage payments for Abruzzo residents was suspended by the government. A large state funeral was held for the victims on 10th April 2009, which was attended by the Prime Minister.
	Overall summary The earthquake, magnitude 5.8, struck an MEDC country and killed nearly 300 people, injuring over 1000. However Italy is situated on an area of tectonic activity and had made preparations in the past for tectonic activity by earthquake-proofing some buildings, for example. However, even some buildings deemed earthquake proof were damaged or even collapsed. As Italy is a country of long history, many buildings held cultural and historical importance and repairs to them cost large amounts of money, while at the same time the economic stability of the area was compromised as tourists deemed the area unsafe and were scared out of going. On-going health problems may occur, such as bronchitis, as a result of the lingering dust in the area in the weeks after the earthquake.

Aquila Earthquake, 2009

Causes

Caused by the African Plate colliding with the Eurasian Plate on a COLLISION BOUNDARY.
Main shock occurred at 03:32 on the 6th April 2009.
5.8 on the Richter scale
Epicentre was near L'Aquila, which is the capital of Abruzzo. Felt 92km away in Rome.
Several thousand foreshocks and aftershocks, starting from December 2008.

Effects

297 people died, 20 of whom were children.
1,500 injured
3,000-11,000 buildings damaged, even some which were believed to be earthquake-proof
Around 40,000 people were made homeless and had to be provided accommodation in camps. 10,000 were housed in hotels along the coast.
Foreign aid was refused by the Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi. However, the US' donations to help rebuild infrastructure were accepted.
Dust and heavy particles remained in the air for a long time afterwards, causing respiratory problems.
Tourist interest in the area dropped as it was deemed unsafe.
Tax billing and mortgage payments for Abruzzo residents was suspended by the government.
A large state funeral was held for the victims on 10th April 2009, which was attended by the Prime Minister.

Overall summary

The earthquake, magnitude 5.8, struck an MEDC country and killed nearly 300 people, injuring over 1000. However Italy is situated on an area of tectonic activity and had made preparations in the past for tectonic activity by earthquake-proofing some buildings, for example. However, even some buildings deemed earthquake proof were damaged or even collapsed. As Italy is a country of long history, many buildings held cultural and historical importance and repairs to them cost large amounts of money, while at the same time the economic stability of the area was compromised as tourists deemed the area unsafe and were scared out of going. On-going health problems may occur, such as bronchitis, as a result of the lingering dust in the area in the weeks after the earthquake.

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Aquila Earthquake, 2009