Earthquake Hazards 

Misconception 

 Earthquakes don't really pose a direct threat to the person. An earthquake can't shake people to death. Some movies have scenes where the ground opens and people fall into fire pits, but that's not what happens in real life.

The Effect of Ground Shaking 

The first effect of earthquake hazard is the effect of ground shaking. Building or other infrastructure can have a big impact when damaged. Therefore, people should stay away from buildings when earthquakes occur.

Even buildings can sink if soil liquefaction takes place. When a moderate or powerful earthquake causes groundwater, or water beneath the surface of the soil, to be driven out from between the grains, the resulting liquefaction causes the sand or soil to become unstable. Buildings under liquefaction risk leaning, toppling, or sinking many feet. The ground becomes stable once more once the shaking stops. Liquefaction is a risk in regions with sandy soil and groundwater right below the surface.

Along with causing the ground to heave and lurch, severe surface waves can also cause damage to buildings. In addition to all the movement, any buildings in the path of these surface waves may tilt or topple over. On steeper slopes or mountains, the ground shaking may generate landslides, mudslides, and avalanches, all of which can inflict property damage and injury.

Ground DIsplacement

Ground displacement, particularly ground movement, is the second significant earthquake danger along a fault. When a building, road, or other structure is constructed over a fault, the ground movement that occurs during an earthquake can severely damage or destroy the structure.

Flooding

Flooding is the third primary hazard. Dams or levees beside rivers can rupture (break) during an earthquake. The region would then be inundated by the river's or reservoir's water, causing damage to nearby buildings and possibly even sweeping or drowning people.

Significant damage can also be caused by earthquakes and tsunamis. Although most people refer to a tsunami as a tidal wave, this term is misleading because a tsunami is unrelated to ocean tides. It is a massive wave resulting from an underwater earthquake. When they strike the coast, tsunamis, which can reach heights of tens of feet, can seriously harm the coastline. Seiches resemble miniature tsunamis. Even though they are typically only a few feet high and occur on lakes that are shaken by earthquakes, they have the power to topple trees, flood homes, and cause house collapses.

How to stay safe during an earthquake 

if you're inside a building or house

• Stay inside and if you have a table get underneath it to protect yourself 
• Protect your head particularly your neck with durable materials like a book or your arm

Do the Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Drop down to the ground so the earthquake doesn’t knock you down.

Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect you from falling debris. If possible, crawl under a sturdy desk, table, or other piece of furniture for additional protection. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and other items that could fall.

Hold on to any sturdy item you can until the shaking stops. 

If you are outside

• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• if you are drive while earthquake occurred stay put in a safe area until earthquake stop and stay tune for local help and keep being updated.