earthquake a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction,

as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action.

Causes of Earthquakes
Earthquakes are caused by disturbances in the interior of the earth and other causes.

1. Tectonic Movements: The disturbances inside the earth are called tectonic movements.
These forces bring about changes on the earth surface and physical features like mountains,
plateaus and rift valleys are formed. Most disastrous earthquakes are caused by tectonic
forces. Tectonic forces create tension and pressure and the stress begins to build up inside the
earth. When the stress tends to be more than what the rocks of the earth can bear, the rocks
are broken and displaced from their state of equilibrium. It is known as faulting. The energy
accumulated during faulting is released. This release of energy gives rise to mighty waves.
These waves originate from a point called Focus in the interior of the earth and then spread out
in all directions. On the surface whatever comes into their contact begins to vibrate. The chief
cause of earthquakes felt often in California in the USA is often the San Andreas Fault found
there.
2. Volcanic Eruptions: The volcanic eruptions are often very violent and cause vibrations in the
earth crust. Sometimes the vent of a volcano is blocked temporarily and explosive eruption
takes place suddenly causing tremors in the earth crust. The Krakatoa that erupted in 1883
became the cause of a violent earthquake there.
3. Other Reasons: The roofs of underground caves sometimes give way and release great force
to cause minor tremors in the earth crust. Nuclear explosions also release massive energy to
cause tremors in the earth crust.

Effects of Earthquakes
Earthquakes are less advantageous and more harmful to man. Damage done is chiefly in following
respects:
1. Loss of Property: Severe earthquakes reduce to rubble human structures ranging from huts to
palaces and single storey to multi storey buildings. Even pipelines laid under the ground and
railway lines are damaged or displaced. The best example of this type of damage is Koyana
earthquake in 1970.
2. Loss of Life: Earthquake tremors of a few seconds takes the lives of thousands of people.
Many people have been rendered homeless or suffered injuries in various ways.
3. Changes in the course of rivers: On account of the impact of earthquakes, sometimes rivers
also change their course. Consequently, when floods come they play havoc with people's lives.
4. Tsunamis: The earthquakes in the sea generate massive waves called Tsunami in Japanese
language. It sometimes rises to the height of 20-25 metres. It causes great damage to life and
property of people living in coastal areas as well as to tourists. Tsunami caused by an
earthquake in the sea near Sumatra on 26th Dec, 2004 hit southeast Asian countries including
India and Sri Lanka. There was heavy damage in these countries. More than 3 lakh people
died.
5. Mud Fountains: On account of earthquakes of high intensity, warm water and mud fountains
also burst.
6. Cracks in Earth Crust: Earthquake cause cracks in earth's crust anywhere in fields, roads,
parks and even hills. They are thus rendered useless. The San Andreas fault in California,
U.S.A. was created in a similar manner.
What Should I Do Before, During, And After An Earthquake?

What to Do Before an Earthquake

 Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight,
and extra batteries at home.
 Learn first aid.
 Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
 Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
 Don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during a quake).
 Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
 Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

What to Do During an Earthquake

 Stay calm! If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.
 If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway,
or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside
doors.
 If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall.
Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on
you).
 Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix.
 If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
 Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).

What to Do After an Earthquake

 Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it.
 Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves.
Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave
immediately, and report it to the authorities (use someone else's phone).
 Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
 Stay out of damaged buildings.
 Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from
cutting your feet.
 Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
 Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the ground has
stopped shaking.
 Stay away from damaged areas.
 If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in
charge.
 Expect aftershocks.
MANILA, Philippines - Here's a list of emergency hotlines.

National Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) hotlines
(02) 911-1406, (02) 912-2665, (02) 912-5668, (02) 911-1873

Red Cross hotline

143, (02) 527-0000, (02) 527-8385 to 95

PHIVOLCS
Trunkline: (02) 426-1468 to 79, local 124/125 (emergency);
Text/call: 0905-313-4077 (globe)

Bureau of Fire Protection (NCR)

117, (02) 729-5166, (02) 410-6319 (Regional Director, Information Desk)