Earthquake Definition

An earthquake is caused by a sudden slip on a fault. The tectonic plates are always slowly moving, but they
get stuck at their edges due to friction. When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, there is an
earthquake that releases energy in waves that travel through the earth's crust and cause the shaking that
we feel.
Why Do Earthquakes Happen?
Earthquakes are usually caused when rock underground suddenly breaks along a fault. This sudden release
of energy causes the seismic waves that make the ground shake. When two blocks of rock or two plates
are rubbing against each other, they stick a little. They don't just slide smoothly; the rocks catch on each
other. The rocks are still pushing against each other, but not moving. After a while, the rocks break
because of all the pressure that's built up. When the rocks break, the earthquake occurs. During the
earthquake and afterward, the plates or blocks of rock start moving, and they continue to move until they
get stuck again. The spot underground where the rock breaks is called the focus of the earthquake. The
place right above the focus (on top of the ground) is called the epicenter of the earthquake.

Earthquakes: collateral effects

1. Ground Shaking
2. Faulting and Ground Rupture
3. Landslide and Ground Subsidence
4. Damage to Man-made Structures
5. Fires
6. Spill of Hazardous Chemicals
7. Flooding
8. Tsunami
9. Injuries and Death
A Quick Do’s and Dont’s Guide
1. Take cover under a strong table or any other piece of furniture and stay put until the shaking stops.
Search for a corner in your house.
2. Stay away from glass, window doors, walls and any other weak structure that may fall.
3. Try to keep your cool and don't run around here and there, coming out of your houses. Move away
from tall buildings, trees, streetlights and utility wires.
4. Once out of your houses, stay in open space till the shaking stops. Most casualties result from
collapsing walls and falling objects.
5. If travelling in a vehicle stop as quickly as possible, but never near a tree, or a building or a structure
that might collapse.
6. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped and always avoid roads, bridges that might
have been damaged by the earthquake.    

Sources:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ndtv.com/india-news/earthquake-a-quick-dos-and-donts-guide-
1656640%3famp=1&akamai-rum=off

http://www.geo.mtu.edu/UPSeis/why.html

https://www.sms-tsunami-warning.com/pages/earthquake-effects#.Xg5yrIHQEzR

https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-earthquake-and-what-causes-them-happen?qt-
news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products