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Earthquake
Earthquake
An earthquake is any sudden shaking of the earth caused by the passage of seismic waves through the earth's rocks. Seismic waves or earthquakes are produced when a form of energy stored in the earth's crust is suddenly released.
Earthquake
An earthquake is any sudden shaking of the earth caused by the passage of seismic waves through the earth's rocks. Seismic waves or earthquakes are produced when a form of energy stored in the earth's crust is suddenly released. Earthquakes usually occur when rock masses that are pressing against each other break and slide. Earthquakes often occur along geological faults, narrow areas where rock masses are more connected to each other. Earthquakes occur mainly in the belts corresponding to the lateral edges of the tectonic plates.
On February 6, 2023, at 4:17 a.m., an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale occurred in central Turkey and western Syria. This earthquake left extensive damages and tens of thousands of dead. This earthquake is the biggest earthquake in Turkey since Erzincan in 1939, which was of this magnitude.
One of the biggest earthquakes in the world that has been registered in the United States Geological Survey is the Chile earthquake that happened in 1960 and lasted for 10 minutes.
The most important earthquake belt is the Pacific belt, which affects many populated coastal areas around the Pacific Ocean. A second well-known belt extends from the Mediterranean region eastward through Asia and joins the Pacific belt east of India.
Where do most earthquake casualties occur?
Countries like Chile and Japan are prone to severe earthquakes, but the loss of life in these countries is much less than in developing countries, and this is despite the fact that earthquakes occur more often in these two countries.
Developing countries do not follow the construction laws and regulations that protect structures against earthquakes, and this makes houses and buildings vulnerable. Construction regulations in Europe are stronger than those in developing countries. Also, the regions of South America and the Middle East are more willing to build houses with clay bricks, which do not have earthquake resistance.
Measures can be taken to reduce casualties, preserve people's health and damages caused by earthquakes, preserve personal and national capital, and return to the original state before the earthquake.
1. Building retrofitting and compliance with engineering principles.
2. Securing decoration and home accessories.
Also, education and awareness against earthquakes can reduce casualties due to earthquakes. Public education and preparation of different layers of society is one of the effective factors in reducing the risks caused by earthquakes.