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Good Samaritan School

Class: IX
 An Earthquake is a phenomenon that occurs without warning and
involves violent shaking of the ground and everything over it. It
results from the release of accumulated stress of the moving
lithospheric or crustal plates. The earth's crust is divided into
seven major plates, that are about 50 miles thick, which move
slowly and continuously over the earth's interior and several
minor plates. Earthquakes are tectonic in origin; that is the moving
plates are responsible for the occurrence of violent shakes. The
occurrence of an earthquake in a populated area may cause
numerous casualties and injuries as well as extensive damage to
property.

 India has had a number of the world's greatest earthquakes in the

last century. In fact, more than 50% area in the country is
considered prone to damaging earthquakes. The north-eastern
region of the country as well as the entire Himalayan belt is
susceptible to great earthquakes of magnitude more than 8.0. The
main cause of earthquakes in these regions is due to the
movement of the Indian plate towards the Eurasian plate at the
rate of about 50 mm per year. Besides the Himalayan region and
the Indo-Gangetic plains, even the peninsular India is prone to
damaging earthquakes as clearly illustrated by the Koyna (1967),
Latur (1993), and the Jabalpur (1997) earthquakes. Indian
earthquakes have shown some remarkable features which have
implications on strategies for reducing earthquake disasters in the
country.

 India's increasing population and extensive unscientific

constructions mushrooming all over, including multi storied luxury
apartments, huge factory buildings, gigantic malls, supermarkets
 as well as warehouses and masonry buildings keep - India at high
risk. During the last 15 years, the country has experienced 10
major earthquakes that have resulted in over 20,000 deaths. As
per the current seismic zone map of the country, over 59 per cent
of India’s land area is under threat of moderate to severe seismic
hazard; that means it is prone to shaking of MSK Intensity VII and
above.
As a result, loss of human life is not the only determinant of
earthquake risk anymore. Severe economic losses leading to the
collapse of the local or regional economy after an earthquake may
have long-term adverse consequences for the entire country. This
effect would be further magnified if an earthquake affects a mega-
city, such as Delhi or Mumbai.

 The increase in earthquake risk is due to a spurt in developmental

activities driven by urbanization, economic development, and the
globalization of India’s economy.
 The increase in use of high-technology equipment and tools in
manufacturing and service industries has also made them
susceptible to disruption due to relatively moderate ground
shaking.
 Ground water is also responsible for earthquake as when the flow
of groundwater gets blocked by the impermeable zone of the slip
band, the water pressure increases, and when the pressure
exceeds the crustal stress, it releases an explosive force outward.
This explosion causes a minor earthquake.

 some of the common impacts of earthquakes are structural

damage to buildings, fires, damage to bridges and highways,
initiation of slope failures, liquefaction, and tsunami.
 Earthquakes can trigger landslides and mudslides, especially in
areas with water-soaked soils. Landslides may result in falling
 rocks and debris that collide with people, trees, animals, buildings,
and vehicles.
 An earthquake generated in the Ocean floor will generate
a tsunami, which is actually a series of very long waves. Large
tsunamis which travel to the ocean floor to the surface are
dangerous to human health, property, and infrastructure.
 The vibrations from an earthquake can lead to ground
displacement and surface rupture. The surface rupture can cause
other hazards, as well as damage to roads and buildings.

If you are inside the house, Follow these regulations:

 drop to the ground and take cover by getting under a sturdy table
or a piece of furniture. Hold on until the shaking stops.
 If there is not a table or desk near you, cover your face and head
with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
 Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and
anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or heavy
bookcases.
 Use a doorway for shelter only if it is nearby and if you know it is a
strongly supported.
 Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to move about.
Injuries most often occur when people inside buildings attempt to
move during the earthquake. Beware of aftershocks.
 Be aware that the electricity may go out, sprinkler systems may
turn on, and fire alarms may be activated.
 DO NOT use the elevators.

If you are outside, then follow these rules:

 Stay outside. Do not try to enter any buildings to help others.

 Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
 Once in an open, safer location, stay there until the shaking stops.
The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at building
entrances/exits, and alongside exterior walls where there may be
falling debris.

In case of Driving, follow these rules:

 Stop as quickly as safety permits. Avoid stopping near buildings,

trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
 Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking
stops.
 Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid
roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the
earthquake.
 If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for
assistance.
 If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs,
be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often
triggered by earthquakes.