Earthquakes are highly unpredictable and occur without any warning. This causes panic among the people and they run around not knowing what to do. This can some times cause more damage than the earthquake itself. People living in earthquake prone areas like Japan regularly experience earthquakes and they are accustomed to it. They know exactly what to do during an earthquake. India is a country which is not in the list of earthquake prone areas, but things seems to have changed in the past few years.
There have been several earthquakes in and around India. Even though most of them were minor, they have caused enough panic among the people. The main reason behind this is that we Indians are not used to this phenomenon. And most of us don't know what to do exactly during an earthquake.
Recently I happened to experience an earthquake from Cochin, a place in Kerala (India). The quake was so minor that not even everybody felt it happen. People on high rise buildings were the first to notice the quake. And as expected panic struck in. Every body rushed out of buildings and gathered on the streets. A few were injured as they rushed out. The traffic was blocked and the city was in chaos for quite some time. After an hour or two, everybody returned with a fear in their mind.
This showed the absolute unpreparedness of the people. After this incident I have decided to find out what exactly should I do during and after an earthquake. Here are my findings:
During Earthquake:
- If you are outdoor, find and open space where there are no tall buildings, trees or electric posts and stay there.
- If you are driving, stop the vehicle as soon as possible. But make sure you are away from bridges, fly overs, tall buildings or electric posts.
- If you are in a building, try to get out as soon as possible.
- Do not use lift, use the stair case.
- If the exits are crowded and no way to get out, then find a place under a strong table or desk.
- Stay away from glass windows.
- Stay calm until every thing stops.
After Earthquake:
- Wait for some time as there may be after shocks.
- Inspect the building before getting in as there may be damages.
- Make sure the electric wires, gas cylinders etc are intact.
It is easy to give these tips but when it happens actually, everybody gets nervous and starts to panic. But next time when this happens (hopefully not) at-least everybody will know what to do rather than just crying and running around.
There have been several earthquakes in and around India. Even though most of them were minor, they have caused enough panic among the people. The main reason behind this is that we Indians are not used to this phenomenon. And most of us don't know what to do exactly during an earthquake.
Recently I happened to experience an earthquake from Cochin, a place in Kerala (India). The quake was so minor that not even everybody felt it happen. People on high rise buildings were the first to notice the quake. And as expected panic struck in. Every body rushed out of buildings and gathered on the streets. A few were injured as they rushed out. The traffic was blocked and the city was in chaos for quite some time. After an hour or two, everybody returned with a fear in their mind.
This showed the absolute unpreparedness of the people. After this incident I have decided to find out what exactly should I do during and after an earthquake. Here are my findings:
During Earthquake:
- If you are outdoor, find and open space where there are no tall buildings, trees or electric posts and stay there.
- If you are driving, stop the vehicle as soon as possible. But make sure you are away from bridges, fly overs, tall buildings or electric posts.
- If you are in a building, try to get out as soon as possible.
- Do not use lift, use the stair case.
- If the exits are crowded and no way to get out, then find a place under a strong table or desk.
- Stay away from glass windows.
- Stay calm until every thing stops.
After Earthquake:
- Wait for some time as there may be after shocks.
- Inspect the building before getting in as there may be damages.
- Make sure the electric wires, gas cylinders etc are intact.
It is easy to give these tips but when it happens actually, everybody gets nervous and starts to panic. But next time when this happens (hopefully not) at-least everybody will know what to do rather than just crying and running around.
how 2 cope wid de' stress durin' erthqke???
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