Case study 2: L'Aquila Italy Flashcards
What happened in the Italy earthquake?
6th April 2009 earthquake measuring 6.3 on the richter scale struck Italy. Epicentre was 7km Northwest of the town and was caused by the eurasian and african plates being pulled apart.
What were some primary effects?
300 killed, 1500 injured, 67000 made homeless.
Over 10000 buildings collapsed including churches and monuments with cultural value.
San Salvator Hospital was badly damaged so patients had to be evacuated.
Damaged cost 11 billion US dollars.
What were some secondary effects?
Aftershocks triggered landslides and rockfalls causing damage to housing and transport.
Numbers of students to the University of L’Aquila decreased.
Business and tourism has suffered as there are still unsafe buildings in the city centre.
What are some immediate responses?
Hotels provided shelters for 10000 people and 40000 tents were given out.
Mortgages and bills for water and electricity were suspended.
The EU gave 552 million US dollars to help rebuild.
What are some long term responses?
Residents didn’t have to pay tax for one year.
Free public transport for students.
Homes took several years to rebuild and historic centres are still being rebuilt.
Describe the location of L’Aquila Italy.
Centre of Italy North West to Rome.
