By Carole Sowe
In the mountains, this shaking of the earth can cause plate movement where snow and rocks slide downhill in the form of landslides. What causes earthquakes?
It is believed to be a natural phenomenon caused by human themselves due to nuclear experiments or geological faults.
Another side effect is known as debris flow where thick soup of water, soil, rocks and boulders are mixed together to form a round shape "ball", rolling with a lot of water in front of it crashing into buildings and houses as it "rolls" downhill.
The underneath earthquake, known as tsunamis, also triggers huge waves, which can travel as fast as a jet airliner (up to 500 miles an hour). They can also be caused by coastal land earthquakes, and often occur in the Pacific and Indian oceans. The big force of tidal wave builds up a huge crest in a giant wall of water which can reach up to 100 feet high. It can sweep away everything in its way, often flooding the regions.
Earthquakes can be measured. Light earthquakes are only felt by instruments or people on the upper floors. The average earthquake is felt by nearly everyone where tall objects "rock" and people in moving vehicles feel the movement. The heavy earthquake is when heavy furniture overturn, ground cracks, pipes break and well-designed buildings shake badly that cause people to run outside. The massive earthquake is when landslides occur, railway breaks, bridges fall, objects flung into the air and buildings destroyed.
Recently, the aftermath of Chile's earthquake has been a big disaster where 500, 000 houses were destroyed, still a growing number of people missing, and homes and belongings lost. Electricity and water supplies were much needed in addition to food, water, clothes, medicine and shelter. Worst of all, as people became desperate to survive, they started looting causing additional problems to the government of Chile.
There are several ways to follow in order to avoid huge damage and increase the chances of survival during an earthquake, such as moving away tables and desks or other sharp and heavy equipment. Protect your head with your arms and try staying indoors under a strong structure like door beam. If you are out, move to an area away from buildings, trees, and wires. Avoid being struck by failing bricks, glass or other tools that might hurt you. If you are driving, pull over and stay in your vehicles until the shaking stops. If you are at a crowded place please do not panic as it creates dangerous mob situations which can cause injury or death. Just move away from dangerous tools and objects. If you are in the theatre, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms.
In the mountains, this shaking of the earth can cause plate movement where snow and rocks slide downhill in the form of landslides. What causes earthquakes?
It is believed to be a natural phenomenon caused by human themselves due to nuclear experiments or geological faults.
Another side effect is known as debris flow where thick soup of water, soil, rocks and boulders are mixed together to form a round shape "ball", rolling with a lot of water in front of it crashing into buildings and houses as it "rolls" downhill.
The underneath earthquake, known as tsunamis, also triggers huge waves, which can travel as fast as a jet airliner (up to 500 miles an hour). They can also be caused by coastal land earthquakes, and often occur in the Pacific and Indian oceans. The big force of tidal wave builds up a huge crest in a giant wall of water which can reach up to 100 feet high. It can sweep away everything in its way, often flooding the regions.
Earthquakes can be measured. Light earthquakes are only felt by instruments or people on the upper floors. The average earthquake is felt by nearly everyone where tall objects "rock" and people in moving vehicles feel the movement. The heavy earthquake is when heavy furniture overturn, ground cracks, pipes break and well-designed buildings shake badly that cause people to run outside. The massive earthquake is when landslides occur, railway breaks, bridges fall, objects flung into the air and buildings destroyed.
Recently, the aftermath of Chile's earthquake has been a big disaster where 500, 000 houses were destroyed, still a growing number of people missing, and homes and belongings lost. Electricity and water supplies were much needed in addition to food, water, clothes, medicine and shelter. Worst of all, as people became desperate to survive, they started looting causing additional problems to the government of Chile.
There are several ways to follow in order to avoid huge damage and increase the chances of survival during an earthquake, such as moving away tables and desks or other sharp and heavy equipment. Protect your head with your arms and try staying indoors under a strong structure like door beam. If you are out, move to an area away from buildings, trees, and wires. Avoid being struck by failing bricks, glass or other tools that might hurt you. If you are driving, pull over and stay in your vehicles until the shaking stops. If you are at a crowded place please do not panic as it creates dangerous mob situations which can cause injury or death. Just move away from dangerous tools and objects. If you are in the theatre, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms.
