Restless Earth - [CASE STUDY] Asian Tsunami

Question 1

When did the Asian Tsunami take place?

Answer 1

December 26th 2004.

Question 2

What happened?

Answer 2

An earthquake in deep water caused the water to push up and spread outwards from the epicentre at speeds of up to 500mph.

The waves then made their way towards shallower shores. Here, they begin to slow down, however the height starts to rapidly increase up to 15m. After that, the tsunami reaches the land, causing mass devastation to low-lying areas.

Question 3

What did the Earthquake measure on the Richter scale?

Answer 3

It measured 9.0 on the Richter scale.

Question 4

How were tsunami’s previously managed in Asia?

Answer 4

They weren’t really - there was little education as to what to do in a tsunami and they didn’t have many early detection systems.

Question 5

How are tsunami’s managed now in Asia?

Answer 5

Asia now has:

• Drills.
• Buoy system.
• Alarm systems.
• Education as to what to do in an earthquake/tsunami.
• Signs pointing towards evacuation zones.

Question 6

What aid was given?

Answer 6

Food, clean water, medical supplies, machinery, expert assistance and money were given to Asia as aid.

Question 7

What were the short-term impacts of the tsunami?

Answer 7

• It was the most deadly and destructive in recorded history.
• Over 310,000 people said to be killed. 1/3 of which were children.
• >650,000 people severely injured.
• 13 countries affected, the worse of which was said to be Indonesia.

Question 8

What were the long-term impacts of the tsunami?

Answer 8

• 1.7 million people made homeless.
• Whole towns and villages flattened.
• Livelihoods lost - Fishing, farming, forestry and tourist industries literally washed away.
• Over £6 billion of damage.