EXPLAINER Understanding the fury of earthquakes & tsunamis

Earthquake and tsunami are two of the most destructive natural disasters that can cause widespread devastation and loss of life. Understanding the causes and consequences of these disasters is crucial for developing effective safety measures and mitigating their impact.

What is an earthquake?

An earthquake is a violent shaking or rolling of the Earth’s surface, caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust. This energy release creates seismic waves that can travel through the Earth’s interior and cause the ground to shake.

Causes of earthquakes

Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which are large, rigid slabs of the Earth’s lithosphere. When these plates move past each other, they can get stuck, causing stress to build up. Eventually, this stress is released, causing the Earth’s crust to break and creating an earthquake.

Hazards of earthquakes

Earthquakes can cause widespread destruction, including:

Ground shaking, which can damage buildings and infrastructure

Ground displacement, which can cause buildings to collapse

Flooding, which can occur when dams or levees are breached

Fires, which can be started by broken gas lines and power lines

Safety measures for earthquakes

While earthquakes cannot be predicted, there are steps that can be taken to minimise their impact:

Buildings can be designed and constructed to withstand earthquakes

People can be educated on what to do during an earthquake, such as dropping, covering, and holding on

Emergency response plans can be developed to provide aid and support after an earthquake

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What is a tsunami?

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves that are caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, usually as a result of an earthquake or volcanic eruption. Tsunamis can cause widespread destruction and loss of life when they reach the coast.

Causes of tsunami

Tsunamis are caused by the displacement of water, usually as a result of an earthquake or volcanic eruption. When an oceanic plate is forced beneath a continental plate, it can cause the seafloor to rise, displacing the water above it.

Hazards of tsunami

Tsunamis can cause widespread destruction, including:

Direct impact, which can cause loss of life and damage to infrastructure

Flooding, which can occur when the tsunami wave reaches the coast

 Safety measures for tsunami

While tsunami cannot be predicted, there are steps that can be taken to minimise their impact:

People can be educated on what to do during a tsunami, such as seeking higher ground immediately

Early warning systems can be developed to provide people with critical seconds or minutes to evacuate

Emergency response plans can be developed to provide aid and support after a tsunami.