For many years, earthquakes have been one of the numerous natural disasters that have certainly caused destruction to properties and claimed countless lives. According to statistics, around fifty to eighty earthquakes occur each day in different locations worldwide. Regardless of hoping that it would not happen again, earthquakes are beyond our control. If this calamity occurs, here’s a list of the possible damages you can expect to emerge.
Effects of Earthquakes
1. Ground Shaking
During an earthquake, the ground will vibrate, radiating energy outwards from the fault, moving in the form of seismic waves identical to the ripples on the pond. These waves shake the earth as they pass through before it reaches the surface thus, shaking the ground and anything on it, creating significant damage to structures, roads, railways, and pipelines. When this happens, it may require the help of a professional restoration company like PuroClean of Mclean for the complete rehabilitation of the locality.
2. Fires
Fires brought on by an earthquake are noted as the second most common risk of this calamity. Electric and gas lines can fall over when the ground starts to shake, revealing live wires and setting the gas-free. The escape of energy from these ruptured lines can induce electric shock and explosions thus, producing fire.
3. Floods
The third significant hazard during an earthquake is flooding. The ground’s shaking can break down the walls and base of structures that hold water in dams and levees along a river. Water from these storage tanks can rage and flood the nearby location, damaging infrastructures and, at worst, drowning people. The only solution to this dilemma is to schedule for water damage restoration Arlington from the company of your choice. They have trained professionals who can perform the cleanup and rebuilding process excellently.
4. Landslides
An earthquake can trigger landslides and mudslides, primarily in water-soaked soils and uphill. The soil in these areas can dislodge as the ground starts to shake, resulting in falling debris and rocks; these can collide with the environment, infrastructures, and people. Consequently, landslides can take thousands of lives.
5. Soil Liquefaction
In the case of earthquakes, the shaking of the ground escalates the pressure of shallow groundwater, therefore, liquefying sand and silt deposits. The liquefied surfaces lose strength, weakening the foundation and support of various structures such as buildings and other objects on the surface; these can sink into the ground, collapse, and dissolve. For instance, you can always ask help from this restoration company and other trained professionals for a thorough cleanup and rehabilitation.
6. Tsunamis
An earthquake that happens in places near the bodies of water, for example, around the Pacific Ocean, can cause a tsunami, a series of long and rapid waves of water. The fault line can activate a sizable upright slip when the ground ruptures, disrupting the ocean. This induces the water to travel outwards in any direction; this can be unsafe to humans and properties.
7. Property Damages, Injuries, and Deaths
Earthquakes can lead to the complete collapse of multiple infrastructures such as buildings, roads, bridges, and pipelines. When the ground shakes, the foundations and parts of these structures can rupture, break, and shatter into pieces. The debris from these subsiding buildings and constructions can induce danger and endanger human safety.
The occurrence of an earthquake can never be predicted; it happens at the most unexpected time and location. Experts have continued to work, seeking solutions for this dilemma, but have continuously failed. In the meantime, let us enlighten ourselves regarding earthquakes to help us be vigilant and prepared if a natural calamity strikes. We hope you gained knowledge from this checklist involving earthquakes and their effects.
