Impacts of seismic activity

Question 1

Consequences depend on;

Answer 1

• Magnitude and depth
• Geological conditions
• Distance - epicentre
• Population density, preparedness and education
• Buildings
• Time of day
• Impact of indirect hazards - fires

Question 2

Primary effects

Answer 2

• Ground shaking - infrastructure destroyed
• Slope failures = landslides and avalanches
• Education buildings destroyed
• Deaths and injury
• Homeless

Question 3

Secondary effects

Answer 3

• Fires - broken gas pipes and power lines
• Emergency services hindered
• Disease - contaminated water
• Education suspended
• Death - spread diseases

Question 4

Long-term impacts

Answer 4

• High unemployment - businesses destroyed
• long-term illness
• Lost generation
• Mental health - years to recover
• Disability and reduced life expectancy
• Loss of farmland = reduced food
• Expensive damage