Defination

An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time. Cause of earthquake Tectonic earthquakes occur anywhere in the earth where there is sufficient stored elastic strain energy to drive fracture propagation along a fault plane. The sides of a fault move past each other smoothly and aseismically only if there are no irregularities or asperities along the fault surface that increase the frictional resistance. Most fault surfaces do have such asperities and this leads to a form of stick-slip behaviour. Once the fault has locked, continued relative motion between the plates leads to increasing stress and therefore, stored strain energy in the volume around the fault surface.

Effects of earthquakes
The effects of earthquakes include, but are not limited to, the following:
Shaking and ground rupture

Damaged buildings in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, January 2010.

Shaking and ground rupture are the main effects created by earthquakes, principally resulting in more or less severe damage to buildings and other rigid structures. The severity of the local effects depends on the complex combination of the earthquake magnitude
Landslides and avalanches Earthquakes, along with severe storms, volcanic activity, coastal wave attack, and wildfires, can produce slope instability leading to landslides, a major geological hazard. Landslide danger may persist while emergency personnel are attempting rescue.

Tsunami Tsunamis are long-wavelength, long-period sea waves produced by the sudden or abrupt movement of large volumes of water. In the open ocean the distance between wave crests can surpass 100 kilometers (62 mi), and the wave periods can vary from five minutes to one hour.

Drought
A drought is an extended period of months or years when a region notes a deficiency in its water supply whether surface or underground water. Generally, this occurs when a region receives consistently below average precipitation. It can have a substantial impact on the ecosystem and agriculture of the affected region. Although droughts can persist for several years, even a short, intense drought can cause significant damage[1] and harm the local economy

Consequences
Periods of drought can have significant environmental, agricultural, health, economic and social consequences. The effect varies according to vulnerability. For example, subsistence farmers are more likely to migrate during drought because they do not have alternative food sources. Areas with populations that depend on as a major food source are more vulnerable to drought-triggered famine. Drought can also reduce water quality, because lower water flows reduce dilution of pollutants and increase contamination of remaining water sources. Common consequences of drought include: Dust storms, when drought hits an area suffering from desertification and erosion Famine due to lack of water for irrigation

Reduced electricity production due to reduced water flow through hydroelectric dams[4] Social unrest

Types of drought
As a drought persists, the conditions surrounding it gradually worsen and its impact on the local population gradually increases. People tend to define droughts in three main ways:[45] 1. Meteorological drought is brought about when there is a prolonged period with less than average precipitation. Meteorological drought usually precedes the other kinds of drought. 2. Agricultural droughts are droughts that affect crop production or the ecology of the range. This condition can also arise independently from any change in precipitation levels when soil conditions and erosion triggered by poorly planned agricultural endeavors cause a shortfall in water available to the crops. However, in a traditional drought, it is caused by an extended period of below average precipitation.

3. Hydrological drought is brought about when the water reserves available in sources such as aquifers, lakes and reservoirs fall below the statistical average. Hydrological drought tends to show up more slowly because it involves stored water that is used but not replenished. Like an agricultural drought, this can be triggered by more than just a loss of rainfall. For instance, Kazakhstan was recently awarded a large amount of money by the World Bank to restore water that had been diverted to other nations from the Aral Sea under Soviet rule.[46] Similar circumstances also place their largest lake, Balkhash, at risk of completely drying out.

Drought protection and relief

Strategies for drought protection, mitigation or relief include:

Dams - many dams and their associated reservoirs supply additional water in times of drought. Cloud seeding - an artificial technique to induce rainfall.[48] Desalination of sea water for irrigation or consumption.

Safety at Schools and Homes Schools

Mitigation and Prevention activities are the corner stone of creating effective "Emergency Response" plans for the school district, individual schools and the community. While schools and communities will have little control over some hazards that could impact them, (plane crash, industrial accident, weather related events, etc.) there are actions that can be taken to reduce the impact of such events.

Mitigation is the action schools and districts take to eliminate or reduce the loss of life and property damage related to an event that cannot be prevented. Prevention is the action schools and districts take to decrease the likelihood that an event or crisis will occur.
Some examples of these pro-active steps for mitigation/prevention would be: Conduct a Safe School Assessment Review discipline referral data for trends Conduct regular safety checks (building and grounds walk through) Communication protocols for staff, students, caregivers and the community at large

 Food preparation protocols Pandemic Flu preparations Limited access policies Anti-bullying, anti-violence programs Pro-social skills curriculum Wellness activities

Homes
Any part of Australia could experience an earthquake. To reduce your vulnerability, Emergency Management Australia recommends the following precautionary steps:

Check that your insurance covers earthquake damage. If you currently building your home, seek expert advice on the depth and type of foundations and construction to suit your soil conditions. Check and repair cracks in walls or gaps in mortar between bricks in existing buildings. Have an emergency kit which includes: a portable radio and torch with fresh batteries; containers of fresh water, canned food supplies; and a first aid kit and instruction manual. Have an evacuation plan for you and your family. Know the safest areas during earthquakes. Shelter under a door frame, table, bench, etc. List emergency phone numbers for police, fire, ambulance and gas, etc. Check for broken water, sewerage or electrical mains. Expect aftershocks. Evacuate if the building is damaged. Do not go sightseeing or enter damaged buildings. Don't panic and help others if possible.