AN ITALIAN EARTHQUAKE - L'AQUILia - 2009
Resources - The task sheets and resources for this section can be viewed and download by clicking on the following - Italy 2009.
How can the effects be classified? - Primary effects are the initial effects caused directly by the earthquake on people, property and infrastructure.
Secondary effects are the after - effects as a result of thee primary effects. For instance fires due to ruptured gas mains resulting from the ground shaking.
Secondary effects are the after - effects as a result of thee primary effects. For instance fires due to ruptured gas mains resulting from the ground shaking.
Where did it happen? - On 6th April 2009, an earthquake struck the Abruzzo region of Italy. The earthquake, lasted just 8 seconds and reached a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale, produced catastrophic effects in the Abruzzo region, which were compounded by dozens of aftershocks in the following days and weeks, making it the deadliest Italian earthquake for 30 years.
The earthquake's epicentre was seven kilometres northwest of L'Aquila. L'Aquila experienced a range of impacts which affected the wealth of the area and the community (economic impacts), the lives of members of the community (social impacts) and the landscape (environmental impacts).
The earthquake's epicentre was seven kilometres northwest of L'Aquila. L'Aquila experienced a range of impacts which affected the wealth of the area and the community (economic impacts), the lives of members of the community (social impacts) and the landscape (environmental impacts).
What were the primary effects?- As a direct result of the earthquake an estimated 308 people were killed and 1500 injured. It stuck at 3.32 am, so most people were asleep in building which collapsed. Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 buildings collapsed including.
What were the secondary effects? - As a result of so many buildings collapsing or were unsafe to live in 67,500 people were made homeless.
What were the immediate responses? - There were a range of immediate responses. For those made homeless. hotels provided shelter for 10,000 people and 40,000 tents were given out. Some train carriages were used as shelters. The then prime minster Silvio Berlusconi, reportedly offered some of his homes as temporary shelter.
What were the long term responses? - Long term resources included a torch-lit procession which took place with a catholic mass on the anniversary of the earthquake.
