case study - L'aquila Italy

-happened on 6th April 2009

-measured 6'.3 on the Richter scale

-the earthquake's epicenter was seven km northwest of L'Aquila

-L'Aquila is in the  Abruzzo region of Italy

-it had economic, social and environmental impacts

-308 people killed

-1,500 injured

-67,500 made homeless

-10,000-15,000 buildings collapsed

-churches and medieval buildings with cultural value collapsed

-the basilica of st.Bernadino, the national museum, and porta Napoli collapsed

-San Salvatore hospital was so severely damaged it had to evacuate its patients

-much of L'Aquila university collapsed, with fatalities in student accommodation

-the EU reported US$11,434 million of damage

-aftershocks triggered landslides and rockfalls, causing damage to housing and transport

-landslide and mudflow caused by a burst water pipe near Paganio

-the number of students in L'Aquila university decreased

-lack of housing meant rents and house prices increased

-amount of business, tourism, and income reduced as much of the city's central business district was cordoned off due to unsafe buildings

-within an hour, Italian red cross was searching for survivors.Helped by 7 dog units, 36 ambulances, and a temporary hospital.water, hot meals and tents, and blankets were distributed

-hotels provided shelter for 10,000 people and 40,000 tents were given out

-British red cross raised £171,000 in support

-mortgages and bills for sky TV , gas, and electric were suspended.The Italian post office offered free mobile calls

--L'Aquila was declared in a state of emergency .The EU granted US$552.9 MILLION from its solidarity fund

-a torch-lit procession with a Catholic mass on the anniversary

-residents did not have to pay taxes in 2010

-students were given free public transport and discounts on educational material

-students were exempt from university fees for three years

-homes took years to rebuild whilst historic centers will take about 15 years

-six scientists and one government official were charged with manslaughter but then the verdict was overturned.