For many years, earthquakes have been among the numerous natural calamities that have caused destruction to properties and claimed millions of lives. According to statistics, around fifty to eighty earthquakes happen every day in different areas worldwide. Regardless of hoping that it would not occur again, earthquakes are beyond our control. If this calamity occurs, below’s a list of the possible damages you can expect to arise.
Damages Due To Earthquakes
1. Ground Shaking
During an earthquake, the ground will vibrate caused by the energy radiating outwards from the fault, moving in the form of seismic waves similar to the ripples on the pond. These waves shake the earth as they pass through until it reaches the surface thus, shaking the ground and anything on it, creating severe damages to structures, roads, railways, and pipelines.
2. Fires
Fires brought on by an earthquake are noted as the second most common hazard of this calamity. Electric and gas lines can fall over when the ground starts to shake, revealing live wires and setting the gas-free. The escape of energy from these ruptured lines can induce electric shock and explosions thus, producing fire and emitting unwanted smells. Immediately eliminate and remove odors from your home as this can cause breathing problems.
3. Floods
The third significant hazard at the time of an earthquake is flooding. The ground’s shaking can break down the walls and base of structures that hold water in dams and levees along a river. Water from these reservoirs can rage and flood the nearby location, damaging infrastructures and, at worst, drowning people.
4. Landslides
An earthquake can activate landslides and mudslides, particularly in water-soaked soils and those located uphill. The soil in these locations can dislodge as the ground begins to shake, leading to falling debris and rocks; these can collide with the environment, infrastructures, and people. Consequently, landslides can take thousands of lives.
5. Soil Liquefaction
In the case of earthquakes, the shaking of the ground escalates the pressure of shallow groundwater, therefore, liquefying sand and silt deposits. The liquefied surfaces lose strength, weakening the foundation and support of various structures such as buildings and other objects on the surface; these can sink into the ground, collapse, and dissolve. When this happens, you can visit this page to schedule a total property cleanup and restoration.
6. Tsunamis
An earthquake that occurs in places near the bodies of water, for example, around the Pacific Ocean, can trigger a series of long and rapid waves of water. The fault line can trigger a sizable vertical slip when the ground ruptures, disrupting the ocean. This causes the water to travel outwards in any direction; this can be dangerous to humans and properties.
7. Property Damages, Injuries, and Deaths
Quakes can result in the complete collapse of various infrastructures such as buildings, roads, bridges, and pipelines. When the ground shakes, the foundations and parts of these structures can rupture, break, and shatter into pieces. The debris from these subsiding buildings and constructions can cause danger and threaten human safety. Gain more info on how property restoration works after an earthquake by searching for reliable online sources.
The event of an earthquake can never be forecasted; it happens at the most unanticipated time and location. Scientists have remained to work, seeking solutions for this problem, but have constantly failed. In the meantime, let us educate ourselves regarding earthquakes to help us be vigilant and prepared if a natural calamity strikes. We hope you gained knowledge from this checklist concerning earthquakes and their impacts.
