Case Study: L’Aquila Earthquake

• The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale, with an epicentre near L'Aquila itself (7km northwest). The earthquake hit on the 6th April 2009 at 3:32am
• The earthquake was caused by the movement of tectonic plates, specifically the African plate being subducted under the Eurasian Plate
• Primary Effects

  1. 300 killed
  2. 1500 injured
  3. 67500 made homeless
  4. 10000-15000 buildings collapsed including San Salvatore Hospital
  5. $11434 million of damages
• Long Term Responses

  1. Residents didn’t pay taxes in 2010
  2. Homes took several years to rebuild
  3. Students were given free public transport, discounts on education equipment and were exempt from university fees for 3 years
  4. In October 2012 6 scientists and 1 government official were found guilty of manslaughter for not predicting the earthquake; but the verdict was overturned in November 2014
• Secondary Effects

  1. House prices and rent increased
  2. Aftershocks triggered landslides and rockfalls damaging housing and roads
  3. The number of students at L’Aquila’s university decreased
  4. A burst water pipeline caused a landslide and mudflow
  5. Tourism to L’Aquila decreased
• Immediate Responses

  1. 40000 tents were given out
  2. Water, hot meals and blankets distributed
  3. Hotels provided shelter for 10000 people
  4. $552.9 million to rebuild L’Aquila