EARTHQUAKE - CHILI EDC IMPACTS

Question 1

CHILE INTRO VIDEO

Answer 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj2zewEEcf0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enOkPyisuz4&t=87s

Question 2

Chile Earthquake (2010) LOCATION & TIME

Answer 2

Chile, South America
Occurred on 27th February 2010 at 03:34

Question 3

PLATE BOUNDARY

Answer 3

Located at a Destructive Plate Margin Subduction zone where the Nazca plate subducts under the South American Plate

Question 4

EARTHQUAKE MAGNITUDE & SCALE & HAZARDS

Answer 4

• Magnitude of 8.8 on Richter scale & 6.9 aftershocks
• Epicentre 325 km SW of capital Santiago off the coast
• Depth/Focus: 35 km below Earth’s surface
• Hazards: 90 seconds shaking, landslides, Tsunami 7m high

Question 5

PHYSICAL FACTORS AFFECTING SCALE OF IMPACTS

Answer 5

• Relief: Mountainous terrain complicating search & rescue efforts
• Geology: Areas with soft sedimentary rocks amplify seismic waves

Question 6

SOCIAL FACTORS AFFECTING SCALE OF IMPACTS

Answer 6

• Population Density: Affected six out of fifteen regions including Bio Bio and Santiago (80% population)
• Education Level: High preparedness with building codes and public awareness campaigns

Question 7

ECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECTING SCALE OF IMOACTS

Answer 7

• Economic Development Status: Advanced Country (EDC)
• Competitive Economy in South AmericA

some inequality levels

Question 8

POLITICAL FACTORS IMPACTING SCALE

Answer 8

• Stability leading to good infrastructure & services
• Enforcement ensuring buildings are earthquake-resistant

Question 9

REASONS FOR LIVING IN CHILE

Answer 9

• Access to natural resources like copper
• Cultural richness including history and music
• Fertile soils for wine production
• Natural beauty (beaches, sea, tropical rainforest)
• Strong sense of community

Question 10

SOCIAL IMPACTS

Answer 10

The earthquake and subsequent tsunami resulted in the unfortunate loss of over 500 lives12.
The disaster displaced approximately 1.5 million people3 and forced over 13,000 people to leave their homes4.

Question 11

ECONOMIC IMPACTS

Answer 11

The earthquake caused over $30 billion dollars worth of damage5.
It led to a contraction in output, worsening of external and fiscal balances, and an increase in poverty6.

Question 12

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Answer 12

The earthquake led to the drowning, widening, and flattening of beaches78.
There was significant damage to infrastructure, including the destruction of roads due to landslides2.

Question 13

POLITICAL IMPACTS

Answer 13

The government’s response to the disaster was criticized for being too late and poorly managed.

The disaster tested the government’s ability to manage a large-scale crisis, just as new president came into power

Question 14

IMPACTS OF ITS EDC STATUS

Answer 14

• Economic Resilience: Able to absorb $30 billion damages - 17% of GDP
• Infrastructure & preparedness: Developed strategies eg enforcing building codes & conducting regular drills
• Response & recovery: Responded quickly eg within 24 hours North/South highway temporarily repaired leading to aid being transported from Santiago
• Reduced need for international foreign aid: Reduced debt & country’s image as economically robust
• Political Stability: Despite criticism response saved lives & stability ensured recovery. Put forward lessons learned