2016 Pure Geography SeriesChapter 2 : Living with tectonic hazards

Gateway 3 : Responses to earthquakes

Part II

Responding to Earthquakes

1.Action that is taken after an earthquake has occurred.

2.Can be short term, can be long-term.

Short-term response• Actions / responses that are

taken immediately after an earthquake.• Can last for weeks after the initial

tremor.• Deals with immediate concerns.–Shelter, water, food.

Search and rescue

• The active search for survivors who may be lost / buried in the rubble.

• Use of modern technology to locate survivors.

• Use of special equipment to rescue survivors.

• Engagement of international– SCDF teams sent overseas to help

Search and rescue

Provision of emergency shelter

• Setting up of temporary shelters for survivors.• Provision of food and clean potable

water.• Change in the use of public buildings

(schools / community halls) to become shelters.– Weeks / months

Provision of emergency shelter

Long Term responses

• Responses that address long term issues after the earthquake.• Action that will help the local

areas resume normal life. –Infrastructure rebuilding–Long term medical care

Rebuilding of infrastructure.• Removal of infrastructure that were

destroyed / compromised during the earthquake.• Construction of replacement

infrastructure.–Opportunity exist to enhance the

earthquake resistance of the new buildings.• Not always done.

Rebuilding of infrastructure

Long term healthcare

• Chronic medical care for victims.• Long term mental health care for

victims / survivors.• Rebuilding of healthcare facilities

that have been destroyed.

Kumamoto Earthquake (15th & 16th April 2016)

Does this look like a rural / urban area?What is the dominant employment in this area?

Let’s take a look at potential questions

1. Immediately following an earthquake, what are some responses that a local government must take? [4m]

2. Briefly explain what are long-term responses to an earthquake and how it helps the survivors.[4m]

Homework

“Long-term responses to an earthquake are less important than short-term responses.” How far do you agree with this statement? [8m]

Homework

“Landuse regulation is the most important factor when planning to reduce the impact of an earthquake on mankind.” How far do you agree with this statement? [8m]