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4 Dec 2025

34

2 pages

Geography GCSE: Japan and Haiti Earthquake Case Studies

K

K @km_2008

Two massive earthquakes struck different parts of the world within just over a year of each other, showing... Show more

## Key Facts:
- 11 March 2011
- 2:45pm
- Epicentre was 80 miles
off the coast of Sendai
- 9.0 magnitude (Richter scale)
- Earthquake lasted

Japan 2011 - Tohoku Earthquake

On 11th March 2011, Japan experienced one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck 80 miles off the coast of Sendai at 245pm and lasted a terrifying 6 minutes. What made this disaster particularly devastating was the tsunami that followed, with waves reaching up to 40 metres high.

The immediate damage was staggering. Nearly 16,000 people died and over 130,000 were left homeless. The tsunami smashed through Japan's 12-metre anti-tsunami defences like they were made of paper, destroying over 330,000 buildings and causing the Fukushima nuclear disaster when waves flooded the power plant's generators.

Japan's excellent preparation saved countless lives though. Buildings are earthquake-proof and people practise earthquake drills every year on 1st September. Tsunami warnings went out just 3 minutes after the quake hit through TV and mobile networks. The government quickly mobilised 100,000 troops for rescue operations and distributed essential supplies.

Key Fact This earthquake was so powerful it moved Japan 2.4 metres closer to North America and shifted the Earth's axis by up to 25cm, shortening our days by 1.8 microseconds!

## Key Facts:
- 11 March 2011
- 2:45pm
- Epicentre was 80 miles
off the coast of Sendai
- 9.0 magnitude (Richter scale)
- Earthquake lasted

Haiti 2010 - A Different Story

Just over a year earlier, on 12th January 2010, Haiti was hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Though smaller than Japan's quake, it caused far more deaths - over 220,000 people died and 300,000 were injured. The epicentre was just 25km west of Port-au-Prince, the capital city, at 453pm local time.

Haiti's tragedy shows how poverty makes earthquakes deadlier. With 80% of the population living below the poverty line, most buildings weren't earthquake-resistant. The airport control tower collapsed, 8 hospitals were destroyed, and even the government and police force collapsed, leading to looting and crime.

The international response was massive but challenging. The USA, EU, and UK donated hundreds of millions of pounds, whilst countries like Iceland sent search and rescue teams. The Red Cross set up temporary hospitals, and innovative "cash for work" programmes paid Haitians to clear rubble from their own communities.

Recovery proved incredibly slow though. Six months later, 98% of debris remained uncleared, and a cholera epidemic killed 8,000 more people. However, international aid did help - Haiti's debt payments were cancelled for 5 years, and development of earthquake-resistant buildings finally began.

Reality Check Haiti's earthquake was much smaller than Japan's, but killed 14 times more people - showing how preparation and wealth can save lives during natural disasters.

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Geography

34

4 Dec 2025

2 pages

Geography GCSE: Japan and Haiti Earthquake Case Studies

K

K

@km_2008

Two massive earthquakes struck different parts of the world within just over a year of each other, showing how these natural disasters can devastate both wealthy and poor countries. Japan's 2011 Tohoku earthquake and Haiti's 2010 earthquake both caused widespread... Show more

## Key Facts:
- 11 March 2011
- 2:45pm
- Epicentre was 80 miles
off the coast of Sendai
- 9.0 magnitude (Richter scale)
- Earthquake lasted

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Japan 2011 - Tohoku Earthquake

On 11th March 2011, Japan experienced one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck 80 miles off the coast of Sendai at 2:45pm and lasted a terrifying 6 minutes. What made this disaster particularly devastating was the tsunami that followed, with waves reaching up to 40 metres high.

The immediate damage was staggering. Nearly 16,000 people died and over 130,000 were left homeless. The tsunami smashed through Japan's 12-metre anti-tsunami defences like they were made of paper, destroying over 330,000 buildings and causing the Fukushima nuclear disaster when waves flooded the power plant's generators.

Japan's excellent preparation saved countless lives though. Buildings are earthquake-proof and people practise earthquake drills every year on 1st September. Tsunami warnings went out just 3 minutes after the quake hit through TV and mobile networks. The government quickly mobilised 100,000 troops for rescue operations and distributed essential supplies.

Key Fact: This earthquake was so powerful it moved Japan 2.4 metres closer to North America and shifted the Earth's axis by up to 25cm, shortening our days by 1.8 microseconds!

## Key Facts:
- 11 March 2011
- 2:45pm
- Epicentre was 80 miles
off the coast of Sendai
- 9.0 magnitude (Richter scale)
- Earthquake lasted

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Haiti 2010 - A Different Story

Just over a year earlier, on 12th January 2010, Haiti was hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Though smaller than Japan's quake, it caused far more deaths - over 220,000 people died and 300,000 were injured. The epicentre was just 25km west of Port-au-Prince, the capital city, at 4:53pm local time.

Haiti's tragedy shows how poverty makes earthquakes deadlier. With 80% of the population living below the poverty line, most buildings weren't earthquake-resistant. The airport control tower collapsed, 8 hospitals were destroyed, and even the government and police force collapsed, leading to looting and crime.

The international response was massive but challenging. The USA, EU, and UK donated hundreds of millions of pounds, whilst countries like Iceland sent search and rescue teams. The Red Cross set up temporary hospitals, and innovative "cash for work" programmes paid Haitians to clear rubble from their own communities.

Recovery proved incredibly slow though. Six months later, 98% of debris remained uncleared, and a cholera epidemic killed 8,000 more people. However, international aid did help - Haiti's debt payments were cancelled for 5 years, and development of earthquake-resistant buildings finally began.

Reality Check: Haiti's earthquake was much smaller than Japan's, but killed 14 times more people - showing how preparation and wealth can save lives during natural disasters.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

1

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content in Geography

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user