L'Aquila Earthquake (HIC)

?
  • Created by: Riya2105
  • Created on: 23-02-20 14:02

Background Information

On the 6th of April 2009, there was an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 in a town called L'Aquila in the Abruzzi region in Italy. The earthquake's epicentre was near L'Aquila, which meant that it suffered the most damage along with neighbouring villages.

1 of 5

Primary Effects

  • 308 people died as a result of the earthquake
  • More than 65,000 people became homeless 
  • The water supply into Paganica (a town) was damaged, cutting them off from vital water supplies
  • Several buildings and infrastructure collapsed
2 of 5

Secondary Effects

  • The aftershocks of the earthquake caused further damage
  • The aftershocks triggered landslides and rockfalls, causing damage to housing and transport
  • A mudflow was caused by the outburst of a pipeline in Paganica
  • Number of students at the L'Aquila University has decreased
  • There was a lack of housing, which causes housing prices and rents to increase
3 of 5

Immediate responses

  • Homeless people were given shelter, food and drinks
  • Hotels provided shelter for 10,000 people and 40,000 tents were set up
  • People received free mobiles to communicate with their family and friends
  • All rescue teams helped to clear the wreckage
  • International aid was provided to L'Aquila
4 of 5

Long-term Responses

  • The city centre was rebuilt to try to rehouse the 65,000 people who had become homeless
  • 7 people were tried for manslaughter for not giving strong enough warnings about the earthquake
  • The new infrastructure that was built were stronger and designed to cope with earthquakes
  • Residents did not have to pay taxes throughout 2010
  • Students were given free public transport and discounts on education
5 of 5

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Geography resources:

See all Geography resources »See all Natural hazards resources »