L'Aquila notes case study

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L'Aquila Earthquake

Where? L'Aquila, Italy. in the Abruzzo region

When? 6th April 2009

What? 308 deaths, reading of 6.0 on the Richter Scale.

Consequences: Medieval buildings destroyed. 65,000 homeless. Total damage of $16 billion. Infrastructure lost. Tourism industry failed.

Aid was offered by many countries, but help was only accepted from the US by the Italian government. this was because the Italian Prime Minister said that he was in charge of "proud people" and therefore would only accept minimal foreign aid.

The houses have now been made earthquake proof to withstand any future tremors. However the buildings are not yet finished.

After the earthquake, one local citizen referred to the city as a "ghost town".