Earthquakes

Quick overview

A few facts on earthquakes

Every day the earth is struck by dozens of earthquakes, but only a few are felt by the population, and most of them do not cause any damage. An earthquake's intensity is evaluated by the Richter scale, which measures its magnitude. Quakes with magnitudes of less than 3 are normally imperceptible while tremors with a magnitude of 7 cause severe damage. While the most severe earthquakes can last several minutes, the average tremor lasts 30 seconds.

Earthquakes cannot be predicted nor prevented. When an earthquake occurs, it is crucial to be ready to act immediately. Sometimes earthquakes are preceded or followed by natural phenomenona such as magnetic, electric or local radioactivity field variations, glares or animal nervousness.

Preventive measures

If you are visiting a seismic area, there are a number of precautions you should take. First of all, choose an earthquake-ready building as a residence for the duration of your stay. If you notice any cracks, flawed wires or leaking gas pipes, contact the manager of your accommodation.

Identify secure spots around you, like tables or a doorway (preferably in reinforced concrete) if inside, and spaces away from buildings, trees, poles or bridges when outside. Put voluminous, fragile, inflammable or toxic products in a fixed location and store them as close to the ground as possible.

How to react during an earthquake?

If you are indoors

Do not try to rush out of the building, especially if you are in a crowded place, as you might be overwhelmed by the crowd. Find protection under a table or a doorway made preferably of reinforced concrete. If you stay in the middle of the room, the ceiling might fall on you. Keep away from glass, windows and anything that could hurt you. Wait until the tremors stop. Never use the elevator.

If you are outdoors

Keep away from buildings, electrical wires, streetlights, beaches and dams. Find a large empty space; once there, do not move until the tremor stops. If you are in a car or in any other moving vehicle, stop it and do not get out. Keep away from trees, buildings, electrical wires and bridges.

After the earthquake

General advice

Assist any person that has been hurt in the quake. Leave the building only once you are sure the tremor is over, and then find a large and empty space. Listen to the radio to stay informed about the progress of the situation; use the telephone only for emergency calls.

If you are in a moving vehicle, proceed with caution and avoid bridges, roads or other structures which the earthquake might have damaged.

Look for possible damages

Check that there are no gas leaks. If you notice the smell of gas, open the windows, and leave the premises. If possible, cut the gas tap and call special services. In case of a power cut, use a flashlight or similar electrical devices, but avoid candles due to the risk of a gas leak.

Check electrical installations. If you notice sparks, stripped wires or a burnt smell, turn off electricity and call special services.

Check to make sure there are no damages to water or sewage pipes. If you suspect damage, do not use the bathrooms or tap water and call a plumber. Never enter a damaged building before you have been authorized to do so by authorities.

Aftershocks

Keep away from beaches and coastal areas to avoid a possible tsunami, and be ready for aftershocks.