|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Monday, 17 January 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Features | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Occurrence of an earthquake and preparedness Any layman would know what energy is. It is obviously a force that moves or has a potential to create or destroy. Energy is said to occur naturally within the earth, and when due to various reasons this energy becomes disturbed or strained, it release itself, shaking or disturbing the earth's surface defined as an earthquake. In Sri Lanka today, several have experienced a series of tremors and seismologists (earthquake specialists) say, aftershocks that come immediately after a major earthquake are very common. Seismologists study earthquakes and their patterns by analyzing the earth's surface before, during and after a quake. They are able to see the movement of the earth's energy. Thus they are able to pinpoint devastating effects of quakes and educate the public on how to prepare for the violent ground shaking, thus minimizing structural damage, injury and death. It would interest lay readers to know, that a seismograph is a scientific machine used to record movements within the earth's surface and that a Richter Scale (RS) is not a machine but a mathematical formula that determines the strength of the waves recorded on a seismograph. The resulting measurement defines the exact size of the quake. Although quakes can occur in any area of the world seismologists have concluded that most quakes occur in three specific areas-Pacific zone being areas around the outer edges of the Pacific Ocean - Alpide, the areas surrounding the Himalayas, Mediterranean and the Atlantic and the Mid Atlantic ridge. Seismologists have pointed out that earthquakes occur almost every day and that several hundreds are noted each day around the globe. Most are small and do not cause much damage. Small quakes are technically known as 'very minor', 'minor' and 'light'. These measures between 3-4 on the RS, while moderate quakes that happen approximately 15-20 times per year, measure 5-6 on the RS. Large quakes pass every few years and are classified as 'strong', 'major' or 'great' and measure 6 or above on the RS. The largest quake that occurred so far measured 9.5 on RS and was erupted in Chile on 22nd May 1960. Effects of a quake lasting for about 2-3 minutes can cause tremendous destruction and damage in soil-buildings-homes-pipelines-railways and people as we in Sri Lanka witnessed over the past few days. It can cause fires-disease-contaminated water-tsunami waves and infection. It is sound wisdom not to cry for that spilt milk nor to cross a bridge until you come to it, but it is prudence to learn from that spilt milk and be prepared to cross that bridge! Preparedness Although earthquakes are not preventable, disaster control measures can be taken to help reduce its effects and seismologists have advised following measures for preparedness; 1. Know where emergency supplies such as fire tools-extinguishes-medications-first aid kits-fresh drinking water-flashlights-portable radios-and phones are at hand. 2. Educate the family of do's and don'ts during a quake. Name a central location in the house to meet following a quake to ensure safety of all. 3. Know where the water-electric and gas shut off valves are located and know how to operate them. 4. During the quake if you are outside run to the nearest open area as far away from buildings-trees-mountains-power lines-glass windows-structures and bridges as you can. If you are inside move to an area where you can ground yourself and receive cover. Crawl under a heavy desk or table and hang on. Stay away from windows-doors-fire-places-chimneys-washes-dryers-kitchens and electric areas as far as you can. 5. If you are in your car when a quake occurs stop driving and move your car to the side of the road and away from a bridge, power lines, light poles and sign boards. Remain in the car until the quake has finished. For those more cautious, seismologists recommend checking structures to ensure they are earthquake resistant. - Oscar E.V. Fernando |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
