This document provides facts and figures about the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China. It describes the earthquake having a magnitude of 7.9 and causing approximately 69,000 deaths and 18,000 people missing. It also discusses the effects on infrastructure like collapsed buildings, and the immediate and long-term responses, which included search and rescue efforts as well as rebuilding plans.

1. Sichuan Earthquake 2008 Lesson objectives: To know the facts and figures from this case study To explain the causes of the earthquake To describe the effects of the earthquake To describe the immediate and long term responses.

2. China earthquake in video Fears of disaster after the quake EASTERN SICHUAN, CHINA Region 19 km (11.8 miles) set by location program Depth 30.986°N, 103.364°E Location Monday, May 12, 2008 at 02:28:01 PM at epicentre Date-Time FACTS (source: USGS) 7.9 Magnitude

3. Sichuan is in the South East of China. It is on the boundary between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, on the Longmenshan fault line.

4. 12th May 2008 2.28pm Pressure resulting from Indian Plate colliding with the Eurasian Plate was released along Longmenshan fault 7.9 Richter scale Tremors lasted 120 seconds

6. Effects Death toll approximately 69,000 18,000 missing 374,000 injured At least 5 million homeless In rural areas such as Beichuan county near the epicentre 80% of the buildings collapsed 5 million building collapsed including schools Communications disrupted, roads and phone lines Landslides blocked rivers leading to fears of flooding Cost predicted to be $75 million

7. The Chinese Premier (Prime Minister) asked for volunteers to help out Some army forces and volunteers searched for survivors, but access was difficult

8. Responses Access to some rural areas was impossible 20 helicopters assigned to rescue an relief Troops deployed to free trapped survivors Immediate needs: clean water, food supplies and tents to shelter people from spring rain 14th May China requested international help Chinese government pledged a $10 million rebuilding fund and banks wrote off debts owed by survivors who did not have insurance

9. Magnitude Rural or Urban Size of population Quality of buildings Time of day MEDC or LEDC Communications links Availability of emergency services Spread of disease

10. Q. Describe how and explain why the effects of an earthquake differ in countries at different stages of development. Feature Kobe Earthquake Sichuan Earthquake Cause Primary effects Secondary effects Immediate responses Long-term responses

11. References http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7400614.stm