Natural Hazards - Amatrice Earthquake (2016)

Question 1

Date and time:

Answer 1

24 August 2016, 3:36 am

Question 2

Magnitude:

Answer 2

6.2 on Richter scale

Question 3

Focus depth:

Answer 3

5.1 km

Question 4

Deaths, injuries, and homeless:

Answer 4

299 killed, 400 injured, 4454 made homeless

Question 5

Total estimated damage:

Answer 5

21.9 billion euros

Question 6

Main Primary Effects:

Answer 6

• 293 historic buildings were damaged/destroyed, including a Basilica in Amatrice.
• Over half the buildings were destroyed in Amatrice, including 80% of the historic old town.
• The earthquake occurred during the Summer holiday, so the population was much higher; death toll included tourists.

Question 7

Main Secondary Effects:

Answer 7

• Centre of Amatrice cordoned off.
• Red zones reduced business, tourism, and so income.
• 90% of sheep, goats, and cattle barns and their milking systems were destroyed; loss of income for farmers.
• Landslides blocked roads and reduced access.
• Individuals arrested for looting properties in Amatrice.

Question 8

Main Immediate Responses (Rescue):

Answer 8

• Rescue workers arrived within an hour and searched for survivors, providing food and tents.
• 12 helicopters and 70 dog teams involved in rescue.
• Facebook set up their safety check feature.
• Italian Red Cross requested locals to remove wi-fi passwords so rescue teams could communicate more easily.

Question 9

Hindrance to rescue:

Answer 9

Blocked roads, damaged bridge, mountainous terrain, over 2000 aftershocks

Question 10

Main Immediate Responses (Temporary Adjustments):

Answer 10

• For the homeless, 10,000 were accommodated in 58 tent camps.
• Sports halls and hotels converted to provide shelter for 4000.
• Temporary hospital was set up, national blood donation service appealed for new donors to meet demand.

Question 11

Main Immediate Responses (Money and Donations):

Answer 11

• PM announced 50 million euros for the emergency response, for reconstruction to begin, and for taxes to be cancelled for residents.
• Donations from museums and archaeologist sites to help rebuild historic sites.

Question 12

Main Long-Term Responses:

Answer 12

• Students attended classes in neighbouring schools.
• 12 classrooms in prefabricated buildings constructed in Amatrice.
• 42 million euro government initiative called “Italian Homes” to rebuild earthquake-proof buildings, with tax breaks to reduce rebuilding cost.
• Government promised to move people from camps to lightweight wooden houses 6 months after.