L'Aquila Case Study

Question 1

What date did the L’Aquila earthquake occur?

Answer 1

6th April 2009

Question 2

What is the GNI of Italy?

Answer 2

$34,280 (HIC)

Question 3

What is the magnitude/focus depth of the L’Aquila earthquake?

Answer 3

Magnitude: 6.3
Focus Depth: 9.5km

Question 4

What were the primary effects of the L’Aquila earthquake?

Answer 4

• 308 people died
• Broken Water pipes
• Most of L’Aquila’s medieval buildings suffered damage.
• Several buildings at the university collapsed killing several students.

Question 5

What are the secondary effects of the L’Aquila earthquake?

Answer 5

• Aftershocks caused landslides and rockfalls damaging housing and blocking roads.
• Burst water mains in Pagliano caused a landslide and mudflow.
• Housing shortage caused the price of housing/rented accommodation to increase rapidly

Question 6

What are the immediate responses of the L’Aquila earthquake?

Answer 6

• 40,000 tents were given out to residents who could not have hotel accommodation.
• Within an hour, the Italian Red Cross (an NGO) was searching for survivors in collapsed buildings.
• 12,000 rescue workers were sent to the area.

Question 7

What are the long-term responses of the L’Aquila earthquake?

Answer 7

• In close collaboration with Italian scientists, earth scientists from the UK were using advanced laser technology to try to find the cause.
• Students were given free public transport, discounts in educational equipment and had to pay no uni fees for 3 years after the EQ.
• Residents did not have to pay tax in 2010.

Question 8

What topic was the L’Aquila case study part of?

Answer 8

Natural hazards (earthquake)