Earthquakes are among the most deadly natural hazards. There are around 100 earthquakes each year of a size that could cause serious damage. They strike without warning and many of the Earth’s earthquake zones coincide with areas of high population density. When large earthquakes occur in such areas the results can be catastrophic, with terrible loss of human lives and untold economic cost.

An earthquake is the sudden release of strain energy in the Earth’s crust, resulting in waves of shaking that radiate outwards from the earthquake source. When stresses in the crust exceed the strength of the rock, it breaks along lines of weakness, either a pre-existing or new fault plane. The point where an earthquake starts is termed the focus or hypocentre and may be many kilometres deep within the earth. The point at the surface directly above the focus is called the earthquake epicentre.

Earthquakes are the result of sudden movement along faults within the Earth. The movement releases stored-up ‘elastic strain’ energy in the form of seismic waves, which propagate through the Earth and cause the ground surface to shake. Such movement on the faults is generally a response to long-term deformation and the buildup of stress.

Most of the activity is concentrated in a number of distinct earthquake belts; for instance the edge of the Pacific Ocean, or in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Over 80 per cent of large earthquakes occur around the edges of the Pacific Ocean, an area known as the ‘Ring of Fire’; this where the Pacific plate is being subducted beneath the surrounding plates. The Ring of Fire is the most seismically and volcanically active zone in the world.

UNMATCHED TRAGEDY: THE 1556 SHAANXI EARTHQUAKE. Earthquake struck Shaanxi, China on January 23, 1556 early morning Approx 830,000 people died, deadliest quake in history Many died as homes were caves in soft loess soil, collapsed instantly OVER 800,000 LIVES LOST IN ONE DAY.

During an earthquake, the most important action to take is to Drop, Cover, and Hold On. If you are indoors, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture like a desk or table, and hold on to it. If you are outside, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees, and drop to the ground. If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a safe location away from buildings and power lines, and stay inside with your seatbelt fastened. 

Guiding Light: Rivers as spiritual guides. Many people look at a river and are spiritually inspired by them. What is the inspiration and the spiritual message that a river gives us?

A volcano is a geological formation where molten rock (magma), ash, and gases erupt onto the Earth's surface.

💥 Warnings, Alerts are Notifications that Informs about Dangerous, Potential Events 💥

A natural disaster is the name of any natural hazard associated with a natural hazard such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanoes, earthquakes, or catastrophes that affect the environment in such a way that causes natural resources, financial and loss of life.