China 2008

Question 1

When did the earthquake occur, and what was its magnitude?

Answer 1

The earthquake occurred on May 12, 2008, with a magnitude of 7.9

Question 2

Which tectonic plates were involved in the earthquake?

Answer 2

The Eurasian and Philippine plates were involved in the earthquake

Question 3

What were some characteristics of the affected area before the event?

Answer 3

The area had a high population density of 43 million people, with the east coast being less developed. Building codes were often ignored.

Question 4

What was the immediate response to the earthquake?

Answer 4

It took 30 hours to reach Wenchuan due to landslides and poor infrastructure.

• 20 helicopters deployed
• 1 million temporary homes and 3.3 million tents
• £100 million in donations within 2 weeks.

The government took 2 days to ask/accept international aid, which included teams from Japan, Russia, and South Korea.

Question 5

What were some long-term responses to the earthquake?

Answer 5

A $10 million rebuilding fund was pledged, and banks wrote off debts of survivors with no insurance.

Question 6

What were the social impacts of the earthquake?

Answer 6

• 69,000 people were killed, including 900 pupils in Juyan middle school, which collapsed.
• 18,000 people were missing
• 347,000 were injured.

Question 7

What were the economic impacts of the earthquake?

Answer 7

• 5 million buildings collapsed
• £75 million was spent on rebuilding infrastructure
• Power and water supplies were cut.
• The total economic damage was around $125.6 billion.