Tsunami Case Study - Boxing Day 2004 Flashcards
What type of plate margin caused the earthquake?
Destructive
When did the tsunami occur?
26th December 2004
Where was the epicentre of the earthquake?
Off the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra
What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
9.1
What events triggered the water displacement?
The oceanic plate being subducted cracked and moved very quickly, causing the column of water to be displaced.
How high were the tsunami waves caused?
30m
Name some of the countries affected by the tsunami:
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Australia
Why were the effects of the tsunami so bad?
There was no early warning system
How many people were killed?
230,000
How many people were left homeless?
1.7 million
What happened to many towns and villages?
They were completely destroyed by the water
What happened tot he infrastructure of many countries?
Roads, water pipes and electricity lines were severely damaged
How many people needed food, water and emergency medical supplies?
5-6 million
What economic impacts did the tsunami have?
- Millions of fisherman lost their livelihoods
- Tourism was severely impacted
- People were afraid to return to go back to the area
What environmental impacts did the tsunami have?
- Salt from the seawater meant that many plants died, and still cant grow
- Mangroves, coral reefs, forests and sand dunes were all destroyed
- Large areas of farmland were flooded
What economic aid was given to the affected countries?
100s of millions of pounds were pledged by foreign governments, charities and businesses to give survivors access to food, clean water and shelter
What other forms of international aid were given?
Countries sent ships, planes, soldiers and teams of specialists to help rescue people, distribute food and water and to begin clearing up
What prediction plans have been put in place since the tsunami?
A warning system has been put in place in the Indian Ocean
What preparation plans have been put in place since the tsunami?
Disaster management plans have been put in place in some countries. Volunteers have been trained so the local people know what to do if a tsunami were to happen again.
What long term responses happened as a result of the tsunami?
- Billions of pounds have been pledged to help rebuild the infrastructures of the affected countries
- As well as money, programmes have been set up to rebuild houses and help people get back to work
