Earthquake Causes, Effects, and More with Major 2023 Shockwaves Incidents Reported

· An earthquake results from the sudden release of energy from the crust of the earth. And this leads to tremors on the earth’s surface, resulting in S waves or seismic waves. The intensity of earthquakes depends on the seismic activities in the region. Sudden tectonic movements are the primary cause of a natural disaster. Orogeny occurs when the tectonic plates overlap each other, bringing forth volcanoes and earthquakes.

· The vibrations and accompanying disturbance spread across every direction due to the relative motion and stress built up on the plates. The tectonic plates break and release shock waves as the stored energy flows out. Every year, heavy loss of life and property takes place around the world because of earthquakes.

· It is important that the government and authorities take proper disaster management steps and people are aware of the dos and don’ts as well to protect from the losses. Timely help may reduce the intensity of damage, and taking required safety measures can prepare you better for the unfortunate event.

How is an Earthquake Measured?

A seismograph is an instrument that records and measures the details such as duration, force, and others about the earthquake. It records and measures the vibrations basically while a Richter scale indicates the earthquake’s intensity. The seismograph measures the motions from the ground such as the seismic waves due to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Richter scale quantifies the energy released at the time of the event. The magnitude of the earthquake is also important as for how long the tremors are ongoing.

What Are the Effects of an Earthquake?

Here are the effects of the earthquakes are like:

· Surface waves near the earth’s epicentre are responsible for ground shaking, which is influenced by the local geology, duration, and distance.

· Spilling of poisonous chemicals and fire breakout.

· Damage to man-made structures and loss of lives with victims buried under the debris or suffering from injuries and trauma.

What to do before and During an Earthquake?

· Before a natural disaster, you must prepare well in advance. Spread awareness among family and friends about earthquakes and what could be at risk. Have a readiness plan in place so that can be engaged during an emergency. If the area falls under an earthquake-prone zone, then there should be a provision of a shelter house, which is earthquake-proof, a battery-operated radio that you can use to call for help, dust masks, fire-fighting equipment, canned food, first-aid kits, goggles, gallons of water, and a torch.

· All the appliances and connections for gas lines should be flexible. Structural engineers and architects should help design the foundation of buildings as per the protocol followed in the earthquake zones by the disaster management committee. It is best to stay away from furniture, bookcases, or anything heavy that may fall during the shock waves.

· You must stay indoors until the tremors stop and exit only when an official announcement comes through that it is safe to get out. During an earthquake, seek shelter under a bed or table and hold tightly to any fixture or post. If you are outside, then take shelter away from trees, powerlines, and buildings.

What to do After an Earthquake?

· Once the calamity passes by, it is first necessary to keep yourself calm in the chaos of disaster and panic. Tend to the injured with a first aid kit. If there is any person seriously injured, then call for proper medical help. Give rescue breathing to those not breathing, and CPR for people without a pulse. Avoid being near falling items, damaged bricks/structures/walls, and tumbling shelves.

· Turn off the main power switch to avert damage. Unplug electronics from sockets. Following the event, fix the damaged items and appliances. Check for leaks in the gas valves. Do not go close to downed power lines or any appliance or object in contact with it.

Recent Earthquakes around the World in 2023 and Their Impact

Here are some of the earthquake incidents that struck in 2023 till date:

· An earthquake of magnitude 5.0 occurred in the Nicobar Islands on 6 March. The incident happened after 24 hours of shock waves felt in Uttar Kashmir.

· In the west of Luganville, Vanuatu, an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 took place on 3 March, with a depth of 10 km to 33 km. The region earlier was already suffering from the aftermath of Cyclone Judy.

· On 2 March, an earthquake of magnitude 5.0 was felt in southern Sumatra. The epicenter was approximately 88 km (55 miles) southeast of Padang and 81 km (50 miles) northwest of Sungai Penuh.

· On 26 February, an earthquake of 6.5 magnitude shook the New Britain region in Papua New Guinea. The quake had a depth of 40.39 miles (65 km).

· On February 26, an earthquake of 4.7 magnitudes affected Meghalaya somewhere 17 kilometers from Resubalpara. The depth was 25 km and tremors reached as far as Bhutan and Bangladesh.

· A series of earthquakes on 23 February occurred in a remote region of Tajikistan. This place borders China. The magnitude was 6.8. The first quake hit at local time 5:37 AM 65 km (40 miles) west of Murghob in the Xinjiang province of China.

· On 20 February, Tamenglong in Manipur experienced an earthquake of 3.6 as per Richter scale. The depth was 10 km.

· On 16 February, a shockwave of 6.0 magnitude ripped through the province of Masbate. The epicenter was located only 11 km southwest of Batuan, with 10 kilometers in depth.

· On 9 February, Albania too was rocked by a 3.8 magnitude earthquake which had a depth of 10 km.

· On 6 February, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake at 4:17 AM local time occurred in southern Turkey near the city of Gaziantep. The tremors affected Cyprus, Lebanon, Iraq, and the provinces of Syria as well. The event caused huge damage to property and thousands of lives.

· On 18 January, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake happened in the West Azarbayejan at Firoragh village in the Khoy city of North-western Iran. The depth of the quake was 12 kilometers. The region experienced similar earthquakes later on in the same location.

Final Thoughts:

You could be living in an earthquake-prone region. Find out the dos and don’ts to keep in mind and the above-mentioned information will additionally help you to prepare for this natural calamity.

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