DANGER OF EARTHQUAKES

DANGERS OF EARTHQUAKES
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DANGER OF EARTHQUAKES
Introduction
In essence, much of the world’s civilization; from buildings, shelters, energy, food, and water depends on the earth’s stability. Apparently, what is assumed as unmoving or static earth consists of huge pieces of rock materials that are in slow but constant motion. In the process of these rocks’ motions, the pieces ram with one another and at other times, their edges suddenly crack and may release a high quantity of Pent-up-force. These unsettling events are referred to as earthquakes. Small earthquakes occur frequently under the surface of the earth without people recognising them. In many instances, big earthquakes occur and under such circumstances, the pulses of energy released in the form of seismic waves can cause a huge impact and destruction of life and properties.
Danger posited by Earthquakes to People
One of the greatest dangers that can be posited to people by the emergency of earthquakes is the collapsing of buildings or the falling debris. These can cause extreme injury or even the loss of lives. There is also a fire potential and blasts emanating from damages of services that are placed underground. These underground services may be gas mains, pipelines or structures that collapsed in the process. People who are in the wrong places during an earthquake may be prone to risks of serious injury or even death. Strong waves of a speed of 500 km per hour can cause massive destruction of properties and or life (BBC, 2012). Although technology has enhanced the buildings to safer structures from earthquake dangers, it is unfortunate that many earthquakes in the world occur in places where people cannot afford to spend money on safety measures.


Solders and Fire brigade trying to Rescue Earthquake Victims Source: BBC, (2011) /newsround/14649717
Wreckage from collapsing structures poses great dangers during an earthquake since the impact of large, heavy objects can be deadly, not only on human beings, but to other forms of life, as well. Earthquakes sometimes results into the shattering of glass windows and mirrors. These also pose great danger to life. Additionally, Earthquake aftershocks can result into buildings collapsing completely in later times (The University of the West Indies, 2011).
Dangers of Earthquakes to Environment
Reconstruction from post earthquake effects can have a range of negative environmental effects. For instance, destroyed buildings will regenerate into increased demand for timber, bricks and other building materials to rebuild new structures. This in turn will put pressure on the immediate ecosystems, such as forests, resulting into deforestation. Extensive renovation can also affect the environment in terms of pollution, overpopulation in risk prone areas, pollution of water sources and others (World Bank practice notes, 2008).
Earthquakes can also cause damage to the environment as well as wildlife. Damages may be caused in the form of shaking, landslides and tsunamis. They may be related to the dangers of volcanic hazards because they trigger these eruptions. Volcanic hazards such ash flows, gas releases, mudflows, lava flows and also landslides may also be experienced as a result of earthquakes.
They can as well cause great impact to the environment, which in turn affects life. A good example is the Japan earthquake, which caused the reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant to close down. The tsuna...