Earthquake

What is an earthquake?[1]

An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking or rolling of the Earth. Earthquakes happen when rocks break or slip along fault lines in the Earth’s crust, releasing energy that causes the ground to move.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning at any time of the day or night. If an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.

Although there are no guarantees of safety during an earthquake, identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can save lives and significantly reduce injuries and property damage.

How do I know if I am travelling to an earthquake prone area?

Top 10 Countries affected by Earthquake (seismic activity)
sorted by number of people killed, total affected and by economic damage provided by the EM-DAT Emergency Disasters Data Base

http://www.em-dat.net/disasters/Visualisation/profiles/natural-table-emdat_disasters.php?dis_type=Earthquake+%28seismic+activity%29&Submit=Display+Disaster+Profile

Important Facts to Know about Earthquakes

• Earthquakes cannot be predicted with accuracy.

• Earthquakes may trigger other hazards, such as flooding, landslides, fires, or avalanches. A large earthquake in the ocean floor can produce tsunami waves.

What are the elements most at risk during earthquakes?

location of settlements in earthquake prone area or along fault lines, especially on soft ground or in areas prone to landslide (weak slopes)
dense collections of weak buildings with high occupancy
poor quality, non-engineered buildings constructed with earth, rubble stone, or un-reinforced masonry
heavy roofs
older structures with little lateral strength
infrastructure above ground or in weak soil

How can I protect myself from an earthquake?

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.[2]

If you are indoors, take cover under a sturdy desk, table or bench, or against an inside wall, and hold on. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors or walls and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

If you are outdoors, stay there. Move away from buildings, street lights and utility wires.

In a crowded public place, do not rush for a doorway — other people will have the same idea. Take cover, and move away from display shelves containing objects that can fall.

In a high-rise building, get under a sturdy desk, away from windows and outside walls. Stay in the building on the same floor, an evacuation may not be necessary. Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler system or fire alarm may be activated. Do not use elevators.

In a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits, and stay in the vehicle.

Avoid stopping near or under buildings, on overpasses, or near trees or utility wires. Then proceed cautiously, watching for road and bridge damage.

What to do after an earthquake

When the earthquake has fully subsided, report your condition and location to the resort management and your tour director.
Be prepared for aftershocks. These are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structure.
Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. Evacuate any building where you can smell natural gas, or when gasoline or other chemical fumes are heavy and the building is not well ventilated.
If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave the building. If it is your responsibility, shut off the main gas valve outside if you can. Report the leak to the gas company from some other location. Stay out of the building.
If there is electrical damage, notify the property manager. If it is your responsibility, switch off all electrical power at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
If water pipes are damaged, shut off the water supply at the main valve.
Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
If water is cut off, drink only that water you know is safe. Water boiled for three minutes is usually safe, as are recognized brands of properly sealed bottled water.
Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
Use the telephone only to report a life-threatening emergency.
Listen to news reports for the latest emergency information. Check emergency notification bulletin boards at your resort for: Information on the need to go to shelters or curtail your travel; The status of transport systems and how to get travel assistance; Where your travel group should check in; and how to contact officials to let them and your family know of your condition.
Stay off the streets. If you must go out, watch for hazards created by the earthquake, such as fallen objects, downed electrical wires, weakened walls, bridges, roads and pavements.
Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire or relief organisations.
If you are near coastal waters, be aware of possible tsunamis, also known as tidal waves. When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach and evacuate beach front property until local authorities say it is safe to return.