An 

earthquake is the shaking of the surface of the Earth,

resulting from the sudden release of energy in
the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves.
Earthquakes can range in size from those that are so weak that
they cannot be felt to those violent enough to toss people
around and destroy whole cities. Earthquake can be of 2 types
tectonic and volcanic. Tectonic is caused by sudden release of
energy in earth’s crust and volcanic earthquake is the result of
volcanic activities. An earthquake is measured by a logarithmic
scale called Richter scale and other way is Mercalli scale. One
of the most disastrous earthquake occurred in India on Jan
2001 with magnitude 7.7 in which more than 20,000 people
died and 1,66,000 people got injured and made 6,00,000
people homeless. It can be predicted by long-term method that
is probability analysis based on historical and geological
records and by short-term method i.e. ground deformation or
fluctuation in water well levels. Some prevention and safety
measures are like moving away from window glass and hiding
below a table or any other hard object. Be prepared to
evacuate with your family as early as possible. If possible move
to an open ground or area.