Comparative Analysis of Haiti and Japan Earthquake Events
The first page presents a detailed comparison of two major seismic events - the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, examining their characteristics, pre-disaster conditions, and resulting hazards.
Definition: The Modified Mercalli Scale (MMS) measures earthquake intensity based on observed effects.
Highlight: Haiti's 7.0 magnitude earthquake proved more devastating than Japan's 9.0 magnitude event due to pre-existing vulnerabilities.
Example: Japan's advanced tsunami warning system gave coastal residents 30 minutes to evacuate, while Haiti had no early warning capabilities.
Vocabulary: Aseismic design refers to building methods that help structures resist seismic forces.
Quote: "Tsunami defences were in place defence walls were overwhelmed + not effective"
The page details the impacts and responses for both events:
Haiti:
- 230,000 deaths occurred within 60 seconds
- 70% of Port-au-Prince buildings collapsed
- 1.5 million people were left homeless
- International aid included 16,000 UN troops
- Long-term reconstruction package of $11.5 billion
Japan:
- 18,000 people dead or missing
- 500km² area devastated by tsunami
- $300 billion in damage
- 100,000 soldiers deployed for rescue operations
- Implementation of enhanced tsunami warning systems