L'Aquila Earthquake Italy

Question 1

What date was the quake?

Answer 1

6th April 2009

Question 2

What was the magnitude

(and the scale)

Answer 2

6.3 on the Richter Scale

Question 3

Where was the epicentre of the earthquake?

Answer 3

Seven (7) Kilometres north-west (NW) of L’ Aquila

L’Aquila is in the Abruzzo region of Italy.

Question 4

List some primary effects of the earthquake:

Answer 4

• Deaths, Injuries and Homelessness due to collapsed buildings.
• Many churches and monumental/cultural buildings destroyed.
• Collapsed buildings include St Bernardo, National Museum and Porta Napoli.
• Damage to the San Salvatore Hospital, which had to have patients evacuated as it could not cope.
• L’Aquila University damage including some student fatalities in accommodation.

Question 5

What time did the earthquake strike?

Answer 5

3:32 a.m. (local time)

Question 6

What was the overall reported damage to L’ Aquila?

Answer 6

The EU reported US$11,434 million.

Over $11 billion

Question 7

How many people were killed in the earthquake?

Primary Effect

Answer 7

308 deaths

Question 8

How many people were left homeless in the earthquake?

Primary Effect

Answer 8

67,500 homeless

Question 9

How many people were injured in the earthquake?

Primary Effect

Answer 9

1,500 injured

Question 10

How many buildings collapsed in the earthquake?

Primary Effect

Answer 10

10 - 15 000 buildings

Question 11

What were some Secondary Effects of the earthquake?

Answer 11

• Aftershocks triggering landslides and rockfalls
• Mud flow caused by a burst main water pipe
• L’ Aquila University students numbers decreased
• Lack of housing for all residents increases house and rent prices
• Much of the CBD was cordoned off due to unsafe buildings, which reduces business, tourism and income

Question 12

What were some immediate responses of the earthquake?

Answer 12

• Italian Red Cross was searching for survivors within an hour (They used 7 dog units, 36 ambulances and a temporary hospital)
• Mortgages and bills were suspended
• Water, Electricity, Blankets, Meals were distributed

Question 13

What aid was provided immediately for those left homeless?

Answer 13

Hotels sheltered 10,000 people
40,000 Tents were distributed
Some train carriages were used for shelter
Prime Minister gave his homes for shelter

Question 14

How much did the British Red Cross raise in support money?

Answer 14

£171,000

Question 15

L’ Aquila was declared a state of emergency, what did this do to help the victims?
(Immediate Response)

Answer 15

This sped up aid received from the EU and USA. The EU granted US$500 million from its Solidarity Fund for major disasters.

Question 16

What long-term responses were implemented?

Answer 16

• Torch-lit processions, on the anniversary of the earthquake which help raise awareness
• No taxes for residents in 2010
• Free student transport and discounts, also were exempt from fees for 3 years.
• In 2012, six scientists and a gov official were found guilty of manslaughter after giving residents a false confidence of the risk - they each received 6 years in prison and several million in damages, however 2 yeas later the verdict was overturned.