Earthquakes - Effects and Responses

?

Primary Effects

  • Buildings and bridges collapse, and homes are destroyed
  • People are injured or killed by collapsing buildings or falling debris
  • Roads, railways, ports and airports are damaged
  • Electricity cables, communications networks and gas and water pipes are damaged, cutting off supplies
1 of 4

Secondary Effects

  • Earthquakes can trigger landslides and tsunamis
  • Leaking gas can be ignited
  • People are left homeless
  • Shortages of clean water and food - with a lack of proper sanitation
  • Blocked and destroyed roads can affect relief efforts
  • Businesses are damaged - affecting livelihoods and causing a lack of income
2 of 4

Immediate Responses

  • Rescue people trapped by collapsed buildings and treat injured people
  • Recover dead bodies to prevent the spread of disease
  • Put out fires
  • Set up temporary shelters for those left homeless
  • Provide temporary supplies of food and water
  • Foreign governments and charities may send aid or financial donations
3 of 4

Long-Term Responses

  • Re-house those left homeless
  • Repair or rebuild damaged or destroyed buildings
  • Improve or revise building regulations
  • Set up initiatives to help economic recovery
4 of 4

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Geography resources:

See all Geography resources »See all Natural hazards resources »