Earthquake is a major natural disaster that causes huge loss of life and property around the world every year. At such a time, it is very important to have proper strategy and awareness to deal with this disaster. This strategy will not only save us from the damage caused by earthquakes but will also help in dealing with the hazards caused by it.
Recently, in the terrible earthquake that occurred in Turkey and Syria, there has been a lot of damage to life and property. The intensity of this earthquake was 7.8 due to which there is a lot of chaos there. More than 25 thousand people have lost their lives here and still the relief work is going on. Turkey's Disaster Management Agency said that more than 80 aftershocks were felt in the earthquake-affected areas. The Disaster Management Committee here is taking several measures to deal with the damage caused by this earthquake.
What is earthquake?
When there is a sudden release of energy in the earth's crust, then the earth's surface starts shaking, it is called an earthquake. As a result, seismic waves, also known as S waves, are produced. When an earthquake occurs in any region of the earth, the type and intensity of the earthquake is detected only through these seismic activities.
Earthquakes can range from small in size, with tremors that are barely noticeable, to large-scale events that cause widespread destruction. (Like the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria)
Cause of earthquake
- Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates in the Earth's crust. The Earth's surface is made up of several large plates that float on top of a semi-liquid mantle. These plates move continuously, but at a very slow rate.
- When these tectonic plates slide over each other, it causes orogeny which results in earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The movement of these plates causes vibrations that release all of its stored energy in the form of seismic waves that literally shake the earth.
- Most earthquakes occur at places where earthquakes occur at plate boundaries, where plates are either colliding or moving apart. Some of the largest earthquakes in recorded history have been caused by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, which form a boundary with the Himalayan mountain range.
- Intraplate earthquakes, which are caused by stresses within a plate, are less common but can still be devastating. These earthquakes are often caused by a build-up of stress in the Earth's crust due to factors such as volcanic activity, changes in the Earth's mantle, or the extraction of underground resources.
What to do before an earthquake
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your family before an earthquake strikes -
- Identify and separate heavy and dangerous items in your home. Use a seismic shutoff valve to shut off the natural gas in your home in the event of an earthquake.
- Create an emergency kit that includes food, water, medical supplies, a flashlight, and a battery-powered radio.
- Learn how to shut off the gas, water, and electricity to a home in case of a leak or malfunction.
- Familiarize yourself with the seismic hazard of your area and what types of earthquakes are most likely to occur.
- Take a class in first aid and CPR so you can help yourself and others in need.
By taking these steps, you can keep yourself and your family safe in the event of an earthquake.
What to do during an earthquake?
During an earthquake, you must do the following-
- Stay indoors and hide under a sturdy desk or table and hold onto it.
- If you don't have a desk or table, cover your face and head with your arms and go to an inside corner of your house.
- Stay away from windows, glass, fireplaces, heavy furniture, and anything that could fall on you.
- If you are outside, first get away from buildings, trees and power lines and find a clear place and lie down on the ground.
- If you are in a mountainous area or near the coast, be aware of the possibility of landslides or tsunamis near you.
It is important to remember that during an earthquake we should try to stay calm. We must protect ourselves until the vibrations stop.
What to do after an earthquake
To ensure your safety and the safety of others after an earthquake, you should take the following steps-
- If a person gets injured, give first aid to him and seek medical help if necessary.
- Observe your surroundings and report any fires, gas leaks or other hazards that you see. Be aware of the aftershocks of an earthquake.
- Check your home, workplace and vehicle for any damage. If you suspect a gas leak, open the windows and leave the building immediately.
- Try to use the phone only in case of emergency.
- If you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately and follow the instructions of the authorities.
- Listen to the battery operated radio to stay updated with the authorities and know the instructions given by them.
- An earthquake can be a traumatic experience and it is important to take care of your mental health in such a situation. You can find support from family and friends, and you can also reach out to a mental health professional if you need additional support.
Stay calm, follow the instructions of the authorities and help and protect yourself as well as others.
What are the effects of earthquake?
Earthquakes have many effects on human life, some of which are as follows:
- There is considerable damage to man-made structures.
- There is a risk of fire outbreak and release of dangerous chemicals.
- Economic losses occur, as businesses and homes are damaged or destroyed.
- Many people have psychological effects, such as stress, anxiety and trauma.
- Sometimes tsunami occurs in the sea areas, which causes a lot of damage to the coastal areas.
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