Out of all-natural disasters, earthquake is the one which is considered highly disastrous. It can occur anytime and cause widespread destruction. Although we cannot prevent earthquakes, we can take preventive steps to ensure our safety. This blog post is related to earthquake safety information.
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In this comprehensive article, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information about the earthquake, like what it is, its impacts, and how to prepare yourself to get safe during any seismic activity. You must read this post as a research organization in Pakistan has recently predicted a strong earthquake in Pakistan in the coming days.
Understanding Earthquakes
What are Earthquakes?
Deep down under the Earth’s surface, there are a lot of tectonic plates. Sometimes, due to any change under the surface, these plates start moving, which results in the Earth’s movement at a particular place. There are many fault lines on the planet, and they are thought to be the most vulnerable areas for earthquakes.
Causes of Earthquakes
Not only the movement of tectonic plates is the major cause of earthquakes, but there are many others as well. Sometimes, volcanic activity can cause a strong or mild earthquake in hilly areas. Moreover, sometimes earthquakes result from any human-induced activity like an explosion of atomic bombs. The important point here is to keep yourself safe and understand the earthquake safety information.
Earthquake Magnitude and Intensity
Earthquake magnitude and intensity remain very important during any seismic activity. It defines how strong the earthquake was and is calculated by measuring the amplitude of motion during jolts. In 2005, the earthquake in Pakistan was of 7.6 magnitude, and Turkey earthquake was 7.4. Both these cause huge destruction in the respective regions.
Impact of Earthquakes
Structural Damage
Our planet Earth is full of a large number of structures, including commercial buildings, houses, towers, etc. Whenever the earthquake hits any region, it causes all the structures to move at a specific speed. So, there is a chance that weak buildings or houses can get destroyed during seismic activity.
Loss of Lives and Property
Earthquakes are harmful to property and can also claim the lives of people living in them. In history, earthquakes have killed millions of individuals. 2005 earthquake in Pakistan claimed around 87,000 lives. So, understanding the earthquake safety information is extremely important as it can help you save your life.
Economic Consequences
Besides life losses, earthquakes also impose economic setbacks on the respective country. It is estimated that Turkey earthquake costs the country economic losses of around $34 billion, which is quite a high amount, leaving the country at the risk of default.
Preparing for an Earthquake
Create an Emergency Plan
As a responsible family man and citizen, you should always craft an emergency plan for earthquake activity, especially if your country or city is near the fault lines. You should know where to go during the jolts.
Assembling Earthquake Kit
Make an emergency kit, including water, food, first-aid supplies, and communication devices. In case you get trapped in an after-earthquake destruction situation, you have enough room to survive for a few days.
Educating Your Community
Not only must you prepare yourself, but you also educate your family members and other people around you. This way, there will be a complete understanding of everyone how to respond during seismic activity.
Earthquake Safety Measures
Drop, Cover, and Hold-On
This technique is your first reaction whenever you find yourself between earthquakes. That’s why we are making it part of the earthquake safety information. You must drop yourself, get shelter under something like furniture, and hold it on.
Safe Evacuation Procedure
After that, if you feel that the intensity of the jolts has dropped, you must try to get out of the building or house. Find the safest passage and try to walk while holding something.
Post-Earthquake Safety
Sometimes, you might experience aftershocks or other issues like gas leakage and fire eruption after the earthquake. So prepare yourself to cope with any such situation. It is another important point in earthquake safety information.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, an earthquake could be a disastrous event leading to loss of lives and other economic destruction. Under the earthquake safety information protocols, you must always stay ready for any such activity and its after-effects. Preparing yourself for rescue in such a situation can be highly beneficial for saving your and others’ lives.