Facts Flashcards
What was the date and time of the earthquake?
12th May 2008, 14.28
What was the magnitude of the earthquake? How powerful were the largest aftershocks?
7.9 on the Richter Scale. Some aftershocks measured 6.0
How deeps was the focus?
10km very shallow
How far was the epicentre from the nearest city?
92km from Chengdu
How many years had it been since the last earthquake?
75, 1933 was a 7.5
Name the fault line which the rupturing occurred, causing the earthquake.
Longmenshan fault
Describe the geology of the Sichuan Basin. How did this contribute to the impact of the earthquake?
Unconsolidated sediments. These applied the shaking and were also prone to liquefaction
What was the official death toll? What is the likely actual death toll?
69,185 and 87,652 including missing and presumed dead.
How many people were made homeless?
5 million
How many buildings collapsed?
21 million
How many people died in collapsed school buildings? Why?
11,000. Earthquake occurred early whilst student were in class, school buildings not earthquake proof
One impact on transport infrastructure
5,000 km of roads destroyed or damaged, several bridges damaged, railways destroyed by landslides, Chengdu Airport closed
Give an example of one public service building that was destroyed?
Hospitals and schools
How many farm animals died?
32 million
What caused the release of toxic gas in Shifang?
2 chemical factories
Why was flooding a problem after the earthquake?
Rivers were dammed by landslides creating 34 ‘quake lakes’- which threatened to break.
How many rescue workers were killed in landslides?
158
When had seismic building design code been introduced? Why did many buildings not conform to the code?
1976, many buildings constructed before this date
What hampered rescue efforts?
Mountainous terrain, damaged roads and bridges.
How many troops were deployed to help?
140,000 by foot, boat and helicopter
How many resident were evacuated?
250,000
Give an example to show how quickly roads in the area were repaired
By June 248 out of 254 we’re back in use
Did China ask for help to cope with the impacts of the earthquake?
Yes, foreign governments (Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Russia) and NGOs ( Red Cross) sent aid.
Give an example of help given by the Chinese people
100,000 people volunteered to help, they donated $1.5 billion, blood was also donated
How has the government responded to the widespread failure of schools to withstand the earthquake?
Promised to crack down on the design of school buildings
Why has the town of Beishuan still not been rebuilt? What has happened to the population?
Half the population died and 80% of the buildings collapsed, so it has been left as a memorial to those killed. The remaining population have been rehoused in a neighbouring town.
What’s the link between the earthquake and China’s one-child policy?
The policy was relaxed in Sichuan after the earthquake as many parents had lost their only child.
Give three features of an earthquake proof (life-saving) building design
Rubber shock-absorbers at the base to, computer-controlled weights on the roof to reduce movement, interlocking steel frame (cross-bracing), automatic window shutters to prevent falling glass.
How can school children and the public be prepared for future earthquakes?
Regular earthquake drills, ‘drop, cover, hold’ drill.
