Wenchuan, Sichuan Province, China Earthquake of 2008 : Lifeline Performance

On May 12 2008 an earthquake with an epicenter in the Yingxiu struck a mountainous region 90 km northwest of Chengdu, Sichuan province, china, and affected an estimated 4.6 million people. Extensive and massive landslides and rockslides occurred following the 7.9 magnitude event, rendering many towns and villages across Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces inaccessible. emergency services, resuce, and relief were extremely difficult. This TCLEE Monograph discusses the following lifelines with recommnedations for improving perfromance: transportation infrastructure; electric power systems; potable water systems and dams; telecommunications systems; and residential and public buildings, including schools. General seismology of the event, geotechincal features of the area, and a discussion of the emergency response efforts and lessons learned are also included.