EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS

Earthquake is one of the most dangerous hazards that the earth experiences. Earthquake is an
unexpected or sudden discharge of energy in the earth’s crust causing movements along a fault line or a
direct cause of a volcanic activity ensuing in the production of seismic waves. Earthquake, it is
considered the deadliest and the most dangerous natural occurrence in the planet in terms of depth and
length. Earthquake can also cause a death of loved ones, collapse of buildings, destroy of surroundings
and also can cause of tsunami.

There are two major classification of Earthquake that we have. Natural Earthquake and Man-Made
Earthquake. A Natural Earthquake is a naturally occurring earthquake along fault lines, for example; a
sudden shaking of ground, and also earthquake that causes tsunami. Second, is the Man-Made
Earthquake. It is an earthquake caused by the explosions detonated by man, for example; using
explosive and bomb to create a mining area, and making a big hole in the ground for factory and
building uses and etc. There is a classification of earthquakes based on cause: VTEC. First, is Tectonic
Earthquakes, tectonic plates are slack movable fragments of lands on the earth’s crust. These plates
have the tendency to shift bit by bit at a steady rate. The movements can be towards each other, away
from each other, can smash together or can glide past each other. Second, is the Volcanic Earthquakes,
it is volcanic eruption produces tremors that occur before or after an explosion. It is relatively not
common unlike the tectonic earthquake. Third, is the Collapse Earthquakes, also known as “mine burst”.
It is a underground mining usually produces a tremor that can be felt on earth’s surface. It is usually
occurs in locales utilized as mining sites. Last but not the least is the Explosion Earthquake. These are
tremors directly caused by nuclear detonations. Regarded as one of the ill-effects of nuclear war, it
occurs in places where nuclear testing is done.

The most important is Earthquake’s S-A-F-E-T-Y checklist.

S- See and visit your local disaster risk reduction agency for building codes before you build your home.

A- Arrange your heavy furniture, water tanks, and gas tank in a lower ground.

F- Family members should be familiar in turning off gas tank, water valve and electricity.

E- Emergency kit should be ready, available and functioning properly.

T- Teach each member of the family how to use the emergency equipment.

Y- You and your family need to know what to do and how to be safe during and after earthquake.

Make sure you have a walking distance meeting place after the earthquake.
Measures that can be taken B-E-F-O-R-E:

B- Battery operated radio, flashlight, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency kit need to be ready and
always available.

E- Encourage to learn First Aid.

F- Familiarize how to use emergency equipment, learn how to turn off gas, water, and electricity valve.

O- Overall plan where to meet your family after earthquake.

R- Rearrange and anchor heavy objects, furniture’s and appliances to wall where they could not fall.

E- Earthquake plan in your work place and school must be learned and practice at all times.

Measures that can be taken D-U-R-I-N-G:

D- Do deep breathing exercise and stay safe and calm.

U- Up against a wall near the center of the building or stand in a doorway.

R- Rush, dock, & crawl to the nearest table or desk and move away from the windows.

I-If in a vehicle, stop and stay inside.

If indoors, stay inside.

If outside, stay outside until the quake stops.

N- No matter what, stay away from power lines, broken lines, and using candles, matches or any flame
which are prohibited.

G- Go for safety place and using elevators are not allowed during earthquakes and practice the DOCK-
COVER-HOLD

Measures that can be taken A-F-T-E-R:

A- Always check yourself and others for trauma or injuries and administer first aid if needed.

F- Follow the protocol in checking and turning off electrical, water and gas lines. If the gas stink, unlock
all the windows and doors, leave immediately and report it to the authority.

T- Turn on the battery operated radio for updates about the earthquake, do not use phones unless it is
an emergency.

E- Ensure your safety and others from the broken glass, stay out of the damaged building.

R- Ready for the aftershocks and follow your school/work place emergency plan or instructions of the
persons in charge.
There are Geologic Hazards Associated with Earthquake: Ground Shaking, Liquefaction, Earthquake-
Induced, Earthquake-Induced Landslide and Tsunami.

The Ground Shaking is created by SEISMIC earth movements, when the ground shakes strongly building
may collapse and their occupants may be wounded or die.

The Liquefaction occurs when trembling of earthquake cause of a soil to lose strength and flow.

The Earthquake-Induced: Ground Subsidence, movements within the earth’s crust cause stress to build
up weakness and rocks to deform, also rocks breaking under stress. It can produce large portion of land
to sink during an earthquake. ‘

The Earthquake-Induced Landslide, this is the movement of rocks, earth’s debris and slopes generated
by an earthquake.

The Tsunami, also known as seismic sea waves: large wave in the ocean, usually cause by underwater
volcanic eruption, earthquake, or coastal landslide. It can travel hundreds of miles over the open sea
and destroy lands with waves as high as 100 feet or more.

How can you know if there is a tsunami in your area?

Do you FEEL severe tremor?

Do you SEE high water surge?

Do you HEAR a bizarre howl?

If you do Run to an elevated ground if you experience strong shaking.

If you sense one or two signs of tsunami leave immediately.

Government officials may not have sufficient time to make an official Tsunami Warning.

Look for a safe place to stay.

Do not try play around the tsunami nor surf.

Measures that can be taken when nearby places hits by a tsunami. Run to a higher ground, at least ten
meters above sea level. Stay away from all bodies of water. If your house is near coastal area and need
to evacuate, carry only essential item like documents, family pictures and maintenance medicines. In
cases of emergency, it is more practical to walk or run than to ride a car. I f you cannot leave the area,
take shelter in multi-storey concrete buildings or sturdy branches of trees. Do not be a looker-on, stay in
a safe area. There is a possibility of land inundation. Monitor latest news from radio, TV or official
announcement of local officials.

SAFETY FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE EVERYONE!