Disaster: Earthquakes

Introduction:

Of all of the possible disasters, earthquakes stand out as one of the most powerful and unpredictable. They can strike without warning, causing widespread devastation, which is why awareness and preparedness are key to minimizing their impact on our lives and communities.

Definition and Overview:

An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. This energy release typically occurs along geological faults, areas where the Earth's tectonic plates meet and move against each other. Earthquakes vary in size from those that are so weak that they cannot be felt to those violent enough to toss people around and destroy entire cities. The seismic activity is measured using the Richter scale, where each increase in number represents a tenfold increase in magnitude.

Historical Examples:

History is filled with examples of devastating earthquakes. One of the most infamous is the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, estimated at a magnitude of 7.9, which led to severe destruction and loss of life. More recently, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake in Japan, with a magnitude of 9.0-9.1, triggered powerful tsunami waves, causing widespread damage and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. These events highlight the destructive power of earthquakes and the need for robust preparedness and response systems.

Parts of the World at Risk:

Certain regions of the world are more prone to earthquakes, primarily along the edges of the Earth's tectonic plates. The Pacific Ring of Fire, encircling the Pacific Ocean, is the most seismically active zone, witnessing a majority of the world's earthquakes. Other high-risk areas include the Himalayan belt, the Mediterranean-Asian seismic belt, and regions along the San Andreas Fault in California. Urban areas in these seismic zones face higher risks due to population density and infrastructure vulnerabilities.

See below for a heat map of overactive regions:

Impact on Infrastructure and Society:

Earthquakes can have extensive effects on both infrastructure and society. The immediate impact often includes the collapse of buildings and bridges, damage to roads and railways, and disruptions to utility services like water, electricity, and gas. In densely populated urban areas, this damage can be catastrophic, leading to significant loss of life and property. Beyond the physical damage, earthquakes can have long-lasting social and economic consequences. They can displace communities, strain healthcare systems, disrupt education, and lead to economic downturns as cities and countries strive to rebuild.

When does it happen?

Nobody really knows when an earthquake will happen, which is part of what makes them so dangerous. There have been some theories that sunspots and solar activity could affect magnetic changes within the earths crust, but its more fringe at the moment and not proven. On average, scientists expect there to be around 20,000 earthquakes each year (55 every day), with 16 of those being major (over magnitude 7). Note that magnitude 10 is the highest it can go, and that the magnitude is related to the fault line length. The longer the fault line, the higher the chance for a larger earthquake. According to USGS "The largest earthquake ever recorded was a magnitude 9.5 on May 22, 1960 in Chile on a fault that is almost 1,000 miles long".

Take a look at this map and you can see how many earthquakes have occurred worldwide within the last 30 days (at the time of writing). Earthquakes happen daily around the world. Its best to either position your family away from these fault lines and active zones, or... be prepared.

How to Prepare:

Preparing for an earthquake involves several key steps:

1. Sign up for Earthquake Early Warning System: Be alerted when earthquakes are detected in your region. Many countries have initialized their own Earthquake early warning systems. I've listed a few below, but other countries might also have options, so please search for more info in your specific area.
   - USA (ShakeAlert)
   - Mexico (SkyAlert)
   - Japan
   - Taiwan
   
2. Secure Your Home: Fasten heavy furniture, appliances, and shelves to walls. Secure items that might fall.
3. Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit containing water, food, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, medications, and important documents.
4. Family Emergency Plan: Develop and practice an emergency plan with your family. Know how to contact each other and where to meet if separated.
5. Learn First Aid: Basic first aid knowledge can be invaluable during and after an earthquake.

Acting During the Emergency:

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: During the shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or other furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
2. Stay Indoors Until the Shaking Stops: Avoid exiting a building during the shaking as falling debris is a major risk.
3. Move Away from Windows: Glass can shatter and cause injuries.
4. If Outside, Move to an Open Area: Stay clear of buildings, trees, and power lines.
5. After the Shaking Stops: Check for injuries, wear sturdy shoes to avoid injury from broken glass, and follow your emergency plan.

Disaster-Specific First Aid Tips:

In the aftermath of an earthquake, immediate medical attention might not be readily available. Here are some first aid tips specifically relevant to earthquake scenarios:

1. Treating Cuts and Scrapes: Clean wounds with clean water and apply pressure to stop bleeding. Use bandages to cover the wound.
2. Dealing with Broken Bones: Immobilize the injured area, use a splint if available, and avoid moving the person unless necessary.
3. Head Injuries: Monitor for signs of concussion or more serious injuries and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
4. Shock Management: Keep the person warm and calm. Elevate their legs if there are no injuries to the hips or spine.

Recovery and Rehabilitation:

Recovery from an earthquake involves several phases:

1. Damage Assessment: Evaluate the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure.
2. Cleanup and Debris Removal: This is crucial for paving the way to rebuilding and rehabilitation.
3. Psychological Support: Offer counseling and support groups for those affected by the quake.
4. Rebuilding: Focus on rebuilding structures to be more earthquake-resistant.

Community Preparedness and Response:

Community-level preparedness can significantly mitigate the impact of earthquakes:

1. Earthquake Drills: Regular community drills can familiarize residents with safety procedures.
2. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT): Training volunteers to assist in disaster response.
3. Building Local Resilience: Encourage local building codes that enforce earthquake-resistant construction.

Legal and Insurance Information:

Navigating the aftermath of an earthquake also involves legal and insurance aspects:

1. Insurance Claims: Understand your policy coverage for earthquakes and file claims promptly.
2. Legal Assistance: Seek legal advice for property disputes or contract issues arising from earthquake damages.

Useful Resources and Links:

• United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program
• International Association for Earthquake Engineering
• Swiss Seismological Service