Seismic events -CASE STUDY - CHILE HIC

Question 1

Describe the spatial and temporal setting of the event. When and where?

Answer 1

27th February 2010; off the western coast of Chile.

Question 2

What was the magnitude of the event?

Answer 2

8.8MMS

Question 3

What was the cause of the event?

Answer 3

Destructive plate boundary between the South American and Nazca plates

Question 4

Why were people in Chile less vulnerable to the event than those in Haiti?

Answer 4

Strict/enforced building code (following 1960s earthquakes) resulting in buildings being more resistant to earthquakes e.g. reinforced concrete columns and stronger building materials. Additionally, regulations are enforced. Preparedness - ONEMI ( National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry) has disaster preparedness plans, schools etc. run drills/people are educated.Higher GNI per capita - $24, 910 PPP so a HIC more able to afford rapid recoveryStronger government - rapid deployment of armed forces prevented widespread lootingPrevalence of insurance: In Haiti 2.5% of property insured vs Chile (10% residential; 60% commercial) bs New Zealand 2011 80% of losses insured. Allowing for faster recovery/improvement of well-being.

Question 5

Primary impacts of the Earthquake in Chile

Answer 5

Collapsed buildings - 1.5 million homes damaged; 4013 schools and 79 hospitals521 killed/12, 000 injuredBridges damaged (disruption to transport)

Question 6

Secondary impacts of the Earthquake in Chile

Answer 6

Landslides blocked roads
People made homeless and 0.8 million displaced
Fire damaged chemical plant

Question 7

Responses at the relief stage of the earthquake

Answer 7

President of Chile Declares a state of emergency in 6 regions
Soldiers deployed to prevent looting
Emergency services respond - search and rescue; instructions initial treatment.

Question 8

Responses at the rehabilitation stages of the earthquake

Answer 8

Troops deliver basic supplies
Government request specific air (only what is needed): field hospitals; water purification; temp bridges; damage assessors - come countries send aid e.g. Red Cross; UK and USA
Within 4 days - 1600 tonnes of emergency aid supplied; water and electricity restored to 90% of the city; 12 emergency housing areas set up

Question 9

Responses at the reconstruction stage of the earthquake

Answer 9

Detailed survey of damage
Fund to pay for rebuilding of homes etc.
Evaluation of disaster plan and improvement- e.g. in 2010 tsunami warning was not communicated to the Chilean people BUT Two DART (Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis) stations and a coastal siren system have since been implemented.