A massive 6.3-magnitude earthquake has struck the region of Abruzzo, in central Italy. It happened on the 6th April 2009, at 3:32 AM local time.The earthquake occurred on the Apennine mountain belt that runs from the Gulf of Taranto in the South to the southern edge of the Po Basin in the northern Italy. This is related to the collision of the Eurasian and African plates and the opening of the Tyrrhenian to the west, thus causing the quake.
The earthquake has caused damage between 3,000 and 11,000 buildings in the city of middle ages in L'Aqulia, including some which
have collapsed, such as the church. (picture on the left)308 people were killed by the earthquake, and around 1,500 people were injured. Also, around 65,000 people were made homeless due to the earthquake. Schools had to remained close in the Abruzzo region. Most of the population of L'Aquila left their homes and the city itself and many streets were blocked due to fallen stonework. The total damage was estimated to be $16 billion.
have collapsed, such as the church. (picture on the left)308 people were killed by the earthquake, and around 1,500 people were injured. Also, around 65,000 people were made homeless due to the earthquake. Schools had to remained close in the Abruzzo region. Most of the population of L'Aquila left their homes and the city itself and many streets were blocked due to fallen stonework. The total damage was estimated to be $16 billion.Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has declared a state of emergency for the region. The government made sure the survivors had everything they needed such as medical care and hot food. Homeless camps were build for those we lost their homes. All tax billing and mortgage payments for all Abruzzo residents had been suspended by the government as well.
There were many buildings that were damaged due to the lack of seismic design and ceilings were damaged as they were not braced or anchored. Thus,damage would have been minimized if they were properly designed. Earthquake proof buildings and shock proof pipes could be builded. The government should install sufficient warning systems, have a integrated plan of action, and provide well-organized support services after an earthquake.
Reported by: Carina Lim of 1 Charity, register number 4.
There were many buildings that were damaged due to the lack of seismic design and ceilings were damaged as they were not braced or anchored. Thus,damage would have been minimized if they were properly designed. Earthquake proof buildings and shock proof pipes could be builded. The government should install sufficient warning systems, have a integrated plan of action, and provide well-organized support services after an earthquake.
Reported by: Carina Lim of 1 Charity, register number 4.
