Earthquake

Earthquake Definition and General Information

An earthquake is the sudden occurrence of vibrations caused by fractures (fault movements) within the Earth's crust, which propagate as waves and shake the Earth's surface. Earthquakes are generally classified into tectonic, volcanic, and collapse earthquakes. Earthquakes begin with a slight tremor and intensify with very loud noises coming from within the earth. Tremors usually peak within a short period of 10 to 45 seconds, then slow down and stop. Earthquakes are sudden disasters. Turkey is located on major earthquake belts around the world.

The magnitude of an earthquake is a measure of the energy released at its source and is expressed on the Richter Scale. Intensity, on the other hand, is measured according to the effects of the earthquake on people, structures, the environment and the earth's surface. The lighter tremors that occur after a major earthquake and gradually become less frequent are called aftershocks; these tremors can cause damage to already damaged buildings.

 

Prevention Methods

The most effective way to prevent earthquakes from turning into disasters is to live in sturdy buildings. Engineering work and public awareness are crucial for society to weather earthquakes with minimal damage.

 

Pre-Disaster (Damage Reduction and Preparedness)

Structural and Ground Safety:

• It is vital that homes and workplaces are built safely, eliminating earthquake risk.
• Have your building's earthquake resistance checked (building risk analysis).
• The construction site must be built on rock, and high-rise buildings must not be stacked.
• A ground survey must be carried out on the land where the residences are built, and slippery and oval areas should not be opened for settlement.

Non-structural Measures (Securing Objects):

• Heavy objects that could cause harm or pose a tipping hazard during an earthquake (wardrobes, display cabinets, bookcases, coat racks) should be mounted to the wall at four different points using metal L-profiles.
• If there are large chandeliers on the ceilings, they should be replaced with simpler alternatives.
• Heavy and potentially dangerous objects (steel pots, glass jars, etc.) in the upper shelves of kitchen cupboards should be placed in the lower shelves or under the countertop. Mechanical locks should be installed on cupboard doors to ensure they remain securely closed.
• Beds should not be placed next to heavy cupboards, shelves or windows that could tip over.

Planning and Preparation:

• Prepare an Emergency Kit (Disaster Kit). This kit should not be excessive; a small rucksack that will suffice if you have to leave the house is sufficient. The kit should contain basic necessities such as water, food, and a torch.
• Make a Disaster Plan: Determine how to act at home, at work or at school, identify assembly areas and evacuation routes, and reinforce this with drills.
• Ensure that building entrance doors open outwards to prevent crowding during a panic.
• Periodic checks should be carried out on natural gas, water and electrical installations, and gas valves/electrical fuses should be automated to prevent damage.
• Keep a fire extinguisher at home.

 

During a Disaster (Response)

General Behaviour:

• Do not panic and remain calm. It is impossible to make sound decisions in a state of panic.
• Apply the correct behaviour pattern by DROP-COVER-HOLD ON and wait until the shaking stops.
• Safe shelter areas are spaces next to heavy, low-centred, large-volume, sturdy objects such as beds, bathtubs, washing machines, sofas, and filled chests (Life Triangle).
• Lie down in these spaces in the foetal position and protect your head with your hands. In sturdy buildings, simply hold on to something and wait for the earthquake to pass.
• Stay away from stairs, balconies, lifts and windows, and do not run into stairwells.
• Stay away from dangerous glass edges.

Outdoors or in a Vehicle:

• If you are outdoors: Go to an open area, away from electricity poles, tall buildings, hillsides and the seashore. Crouch down to protect yourself.
• If you are driving: Pull over to a safe place without blocking the road. If the vehicle is not in a safe place (under a bridge, next to power lines, in a car park), leave it immediately, lie down next to the car and assume the foetal position.

Under Rubble:

• Stay calm and conserve your energy.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or piece of clothing to avoid inhaling dust.
• Instead of shouting, use a whistle to signal your location or strike a hard object against the surface (pipe, column, etc.).
• Do not use matches or lighters.

 

Post-Disaster (Recovery)

Immediately After:

• Think calmly without panicking and decide on a course of action.
• Visually inspect your home. If there are no cracks in the columns and beams, it may be safer not to go outside.
• As soon as the shaking stops, immediately turn off the gas and electricity valves/fuses.
• Take your emergency kit and immediately leave the building via the pre-determined routes and go to the assembly area. Do not use the lift.

Safety and Communication:

• Do not enter damaged buildings due to the risk of aftershocks; follow relevant announcements.
• Do not drive on the roads for the first 6 hours to allow access for emergency vehicles such as ambulances and AFAD. Do not tie up telephone lines; use messaging applications except in emergencies.
• Help neighbours, especially the elderly, children and disabled people.

Intervention for Those Extracted from the Rubble:

• When physical contact is made with a person extracted from the rubble, an IV should be administered first to prevent crush syndrome.
• A neck brace must be applied to prevent neck and spinal injury, and the person should be transported while maintaining their position under the rubble.
• Never give food or drink to a person trapped under the rubble.