Earthquakes and tsunami – WJEC Impacts of earthquakes
Earthquakes are caused by the release of built-up pressure at plate boundaries. They can destroy buildings and infrastructure. Tsunami can also occur, with equally devastating and deadly effects.
The impact is the damage which happens as a result of the earthquake. The impacts of an earthquake can vary depending on:
The size of the earthquake on the Richter scale - the higher it is on the scale, the more destruction it causes.
Level of development - whether it occurs in a rich or a poor country. Richer countries will be more likely to be able to predict, and attempt to protect and prepare themselves from the effects of an earthquake.
The depth of the focus - if it’s shallow it can be more destructive.
The distance from epicentre - the effects of an earthquake are more severe at its centre.
Population density - the more people living in an area, the more likely it is to be more deaths and casualties.
The time of day - whether people are in their homes, at work or travelling.
Responses
Responses are how countries react to an earthquake. They are categorised as follows:
Short-term or immediate - a response in the hours, days and weeks immediately after an earthquake or disaster has happened. Short-term responses mainly involve search and rescue and helping the injured.
Long-term - responses that go on for months and years after an earthquake or disaster. They can involve rebuilding destroyed houses, schools, hospitals, etc. They also involve kick-starting the local economy.
