Topic Summaries

Case study – responding to earthquakes

IGCSE > Geography > Pearson IGCSE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Responses to tectonic hazards > Case study – responding to earthquakes
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  Nepal earthquake (2015) New Zealand earthquake (2011)
Key Details
  • Date: 25 April, 2015
  • Magnitude: 7.8
  • Depth: 15 km
  • Location: Near Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Date: February 22, 2011
  • Magnitude: 6.3
  • Depth: 5 km (very shallow)
  • Location: Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand
Primary effects
  • Over 8,000 people were killed, and thousands were injured.
  • Roads and buildings in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, were heavily damaged.
  • 185 people were killed.
  • Around 6,000 to 7,000 people were injured.
  • Buildings were damaged.
  • Thousands of people were displaced due to damaged or destroyed homes
Secondary effects
  • Avalanches and landslides triggered by the earthquake killed 19 people on Mount Everest.
  • Tourism, a major source of income for Nepal, declined significantly after the disaster
  • The total cost of rebuilding and recovery was estimated in the billions, putting a significant strain on the economy.
  • Christchurch’s tourism industry suffered as visitors avoided the area.
Immediate responses
  • The United Nations provided emergency aid, including medical supplies, to help treat the injured.
  • Rescuers saved people from dangerous situations and transported them to hospitals for treatment.
  • 800 farmers, known as the ‘Farmy Army,’ were mobilised to assist in rescue operations and help people in dangerous areas.
Long-term responses
  • 7,000 schools rebuilt to restore essential services.
  • Damaged sewage and water systems were repaired to improve sanitation.
  • £28 billion was invested to rebuild homes, buildings, and infrastructure damaged by the earthquake

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