Sichuan, China Earthquake Flashcards
(15 cards)
When and where did the earthquake happen?
Struck on may 12, 2008 in Wenchuan county, Sichuan province, a mountainous region in southwestern china, at 2:28 pm local time.
What was the magnitude?
7.9 on the Richter scale.
What was the death toll and number of injuries?
Approximately 87,000 people died, including 5,300 schoolchildren, with over 370,000 injured and 18,000 reported missing.
How many people were displaced or made homeless?
Over 5 million people were left homeless, creating a major humanitarian crisis requiring long-term resettlement programs.
What infrastructure was most affected?
More than 7,000 school buildings collapsed, as well as roadways, hospitals, and public buildings, exposing weaknesses in construction.
How did building regulations contribute to the impact?
Many public buildings, particularly schools, were built with poor construction standards, often dubbed ‘tofu-dreg schools’, which lacked seismic resilience.
What role did corruption play in the disaster’s severity?
Investigations revealed corruption in construction contracts, with funds diverted from safety measures, leading to unsafe buildings.
How did the Chinese government respond initially?
The central government rapidly deployed 130,000 troops and medical personnel, making it one of the largest mobilizations in Chinese history.
Was international aid accepted?
Yes, China accepted international aid and rescue teams from countries including Japan, Russia, and South Korea - a rare move showing the scale of the disaster.
What were the short term priorities in response?
Immediate focuses included rescue operations, providing shelter and food, medical assistance, and stabilising collapsed infrastructure.
How was the media coverage managed by the government?
In an unusual move, the Chinese government allowed limited domestic and foreign media access initially, but later tightened censorship during the recovery phase.
What was the estimated economic cost?
The estimated total economic damage was around £150billion USD.
What long-term reconstruction efforts were launched?
A 3 year plan was announced to rebuild homes, schools, and hospitals, including earthquake-resistant design and investment in infrastructure.
How were affected citizens supported?
Families were provided with compensation, housing subsidies, and relocation assistance. The government prioritised rebuilding in the situ to maintain social cohesion.
What was the impact on the environment?
Triggered 200,000 landslides, blocked rivers, and created quake lakes, posing secondary flood risks.
