Long term responses :

long term responses to earthquake can stretch over months and years and involve rebuilding an affected region
However , carrying out such measures and responses can be costly

Improving infrastructure

infrastructure and amenities are rebuilt and improved upon after a disaster

Successes :

authorities often develop stricter building codes to ensure infrastructure is restored at a higher safety level than before
Example : after the earthquake in Kobe , Japan , in 2011 , Japan spent billions developing technology to build more earthquake-resistant buildings

Limitations :

reinforced buildings which are build to protect against earthquake are not necessarily protected against tsunamis . Additional protection could be in the form of coastal protection structures such as breakwaters
Example : although many of Chile's buildings are earthquake-resistant , the coastal areas suffered massive damage from a tsunami when an earthquake struck 2010

Compensating people who lose their land and property

compensation is given out through insurance or direct payments to people who have lost their land and property

Successes :

compensation helps people in finding another place to settle down
Example : the japanese insurance plans are authorised by the government to pay massive amounts to compensate people who have lost their land and property

Limitations :

compensation offered are often insufficient .
Example : insurance paid in Japan have an upper limit .
this means that the amount paid to people who have lost their land and property may not cover the cost of damage

Ensuring the affected region recovers economically

steps are taken to ensure that the economy recovers

Successes :

government stimulates the economy by introducing various measures
Example : in order to stimulate the local economy after the earthquake in christchurch , new zealand , in 2011 , direct cash payments were made to individuals to allow them to buy necessities
they also provided income for local traders
in addition , the new zealand government guaranteed bank credit and insurance payments so that reconstruction could start quickly
the repair and building programmes for homes and infrastructure provided employment and income for workers and traders

Limitations :

recovery of the economy may take a long time as a huge sum of money is needed to rebuild infrastructure and services
Example : China took three years to rebuild the area hit by the earthquake in Sichuan , china , in 2008 and provided people with basic living conditions . A huge sum of about US$123 billion was spent on reconstructing schools , hospital and homes

Improving health options

health options such as long term counselling are provided
the loss of love ones , homes or jobs after earthquakes cause long-lasting trauma

Sucesses :

problems can be identified and address early
Example: a year after the earthquake in christchurch , New Zealand , in 2011 , significant problems of anxiety and depression were identified amongst all age groups of the affected population .
This resulted in a greater number of health workers being deployed in the area

Limitations :

improving health options , such as restoring the resilience of people after an earthquake , can be very challenging
Example : many survivors such as those in Haiti after the earthquake in 2010 , continue to lack access to basic necessities

Link:

People respond to earthquakes by preparing for them and putting in place preparedness measures . These measures help reduce the number of lives lost and damage suffered . However , even the best preparation may not be able to minimise the damage caused by the earthquake . When earthquake occur , people deal with the impacts of the earthquake with sort - term and long - term responses

	Created by chernessa over 9 years ago

- Why do people continue to live in areas prone to earthquake ( 3 pts ) - How do people respond to earthquakes ( 5 pts ) - Short term responses - Long term responses

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