Are there any ways of minimizing this type of disaster from happening again?
Loss of life from earthquakes can be avoided through emergency planning, education on the subject and the construction of buildings that sway instead of breaking under the stress of an earthquake.
It is extremely difficult to predict an earthquake. Science has now reached a stage where one day, it may be possible to predict earthquakes. At the moment, it is possible to give out some kind of information about the time frame that the earthquake might take place in and also the around about area. It is possible to outline the risks of earthquakes to cities around the world if the city has been a well-studied location within a seismically-active region.
Earthquakes usually occur on a geological fault line. This is where huge masses of rock grind away against each other with the slow, tectonic movement of the Earth’s crust. Sometimes this movement gets stuck, leading to a build-up of stress and energy, which can suddenly slip and cause an earthquake. If cities are located near a fault line of the edge of a tectonic plate, they are at a bigger risk to earthquakes and more dangerous ones too. Australia is pretty much smack bang in the middle of the Indo-Australian plate. This means that Australia doesn’t come across very many earthquakes and if one was to occur, the chances of it being big are not likely.
Because of the unpredictability of tectonic movements, geologists like to give a probabilistic assessment of the risk of an earthquake in a specified area over a certain period. Also a “deterministic prediction” or a statement of when and where an earthquake will happen.
Below are some of the ways to minimize the impact of earthquakes:
Before
Understand Earthquakes – Have a knowledge of earthquakes and the damage that can be done from them. Also knowledge of the area and safe places with alternate routes to get there.
Earthquake Resistant Buildings – These are built with deep foundations with rubber shock absorbers and concrete reinforced with steel. They are designed to twist and sway and also have sprinkler systems and gas cut off valves. To protect against earthquakes, buildings are best built on firm ground. You can secure unstable furniture to the floor and walls and also make sure that things with wheels cannot roll around.
Emergency Plans – These are drawn up and supplies like bottled water, batteries, spare keys for house and car, tool kit, first aid box, medicine and canned food are taken into stock for emergencies. The plans include things that you will do when an earthquake strikes. This is things like safe places, what happens if you get separated, what you should do. It is very similar to that of a fire or flood plan that you may have in Australia.
During
During an earthquake you have to react quickly, stay calm and realise the indications that it is one. If you are inside your house or another building, you should stay there and move to a safe place. You should keep away from dangerous objects and watch out for things that may fall. Whatever you do, do not run. It is mostly safer to stay inside. If you do try and leave, don’t use the elevator or stairs. This means that you won’t make it outside. If in a car, stop the vehicle and stay in it. If you are outside, move away from trees, posts and buildings. Don’t go running inside.
After
Loss of life from earthquakes can be avoided through emergency planning, education on the subject and the construction of buildings that sway instead of breaking under the stress of an earthquake.
It is extremely difficult to predict an earthquake. Science has now reached a stage where one day, it may be possible to predict earthquakes. At the moment, it is possible to give out some kind of information about the time frame that the earthquake might take place in and also the around about area. It is possible to outline the risks of earthquakes to cities around the world if the city has been a well-studied location within a seismically-active region.
Earthquakes usually occur on a geological fault line. This is where huge masses of rock grind away against each other with the slow, tectonic movement of the Earth’s crust. Sometimes this movement gets stuck, leading to a build-up of stress and energy, which can suddenly slip and cause an earthquake. If cities are located near a fault line of the edge of a tectonic plate, they are at a bigger risk to earthquakes and more dangerous ones too. Australia is pretty much smack bang in the middle of the Indo-Australian plate. This means that Australia doesn’t come across very many earthquakes and if one was to occur, the chances of it being big are not likely.
Because of the unpredictability of tectonic movements, geologists like to give a probabilistic assessment of the risk of an earthquake in a specified area over a certain period. Also a “deterministic prediction” or a statement of when and where an earthquake will happen.
Below are some of the ways to minimize the impact of earthquakes:
Before
Understand Earthquakes – Have a knowledge of earthquakes and the damage that can be done from them. Also knowledge of the area and safe places with alternate routes to get there.
Earthquake Resistant Buildings – These are built with deep foundations with rubber shock absorbers and concrete reinforced with steel. They are designed to twist and sway and also have sprinkler systems and gas cut off valves. To protect against earthquakes, buildings are best built on firm ground. You can secure unstable furniture to the floor and walls and also make sure that things with wheels cannot roll around.
Emergency Plans – These are drawn up and supplies like bottled water, batteries, spare keys for house and car, tool kit, first aid box, medicine and canned food are taken into stock for emergencies. The plans include things that you will do when an earthquake strikes. This is things like safe places, what happens if you get separated, what you should do. It is very similar to that of a fire or flood plan that you may have in Australia.
During
During an earthquake you have to react quickly, stay calm and realise the indications that it is one. If you are inside your house or another building, you should stay there and move to a safe place. You should keep away from dangerous objects and watch out for things that may fall. Whatever you do, do not run. It is mostly safer to stay inside. If you do try and leave, don’t use the elevator or stairs. This means that you won’t make it outside. If in a car, stop the vehicle and stay in it. If you are outside, move away from trees, posts and buildings. Don’t go running inside.
After
- You should always keep calm and take a quick minute to think about what has just happened so you can take action fast.
- If you are by the sea when the earthquake has happened, move away from it after it is over just in case of tsunamis that are often caused by earthquakes.
- Make a fast initial inspection of your house, building or car in case there are wound or stuck people, fires or gas leaks. If there is a fire you should call a fire engine and if there is a gas leak you need to close the main valve, open the windows and evacuate the building or car as fast as you can.
- If there are damages in the electrical system of a property, disconnect the electrical service.
- Do not touch cables or electrical posts that have fallen to the ground. Get rid of dangerous substances that may have been spilled.
- Carefully inspect your house in case there are structural damages. Be careful when opening the doors of your household furniture.
- Be prepared for more earthquakes.