San Francisco Earthquake

Question 1

Date and Time

Answer 1

17/10/1989

Question 2

What was the magnitude?

Answer 2

6.9 on the Richter Scale

Lasted 15 seconds

Question 3

What was the location?

Answer 3

Loma Prieta, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz

San Andreas fault

North American and Pacific plates

Question 4

What were the 6 primary effects?

Answer 4

A double decker freeway collapsed killing 45
Water and gas pipes broken
57 dead and 4,000 injured 
Power out.
Cracks in buildings
Bay Bridge collapsed

Question 5

What were the 5 secondary effects?

Answer 5

$10 billion loss for economy
Fires due to broken gas pipes and no water to fight it with. Water sources contaminated.
12,000 homeless, 30,000 commuters disrupted
Grieving and mental stress

Question 6

What were the immediate responses?

Answer 6

Emergency services tried to stop fires and rescue people. Search Dogs used
People moved hosepipes to sea for water to fight fires
Bottled water supplied.
Clear plans to follow.

Question 7

What were the long term responses?

Answer 7

Bridges and Buildings made more earthquake proof.
3 weeks for Bay Bridge to re-open
More trains running 24/7 in underground tunnel and temporary ferry service.