For many years, earthquakes have been among the numerous natural disasters that have led to the destruction of properties and claimed countless lives. According to statistics, around fifty to eighty earthquakes happen every day in various areas worldwide. Despite hoping that it would not occur again, earthquakes are past our control. If this calamity occurs, here’s a list of the possible damages you can expect to emerge.
Damaging Effects of Earthquakes
1. Ground Shaking
During an earthquake, the ground will vibrate caused by the energy radiating outwards from the fault, transferring the form of seismic waves identical to the ripples on the pond. These waves shake the earth as they pass through until it reaches the surface. It shakes the ground and anything, producing significant damage to structures, roads, railways, and pipelines. In this case, pin your hopes up as countless service providers are available to assist you; learn more about Puroclean and other restoration companies by visiting their website.
2. Fires
Fires caused by an earthquake are considered the second most common hazard 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 electrical shock and explosions thereby, producing fire.
3. Floods
The third main hazard during an earthquake is flooding. The shaking of the ground can break and collapse 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 area, damaging infrastructures and, at worst, drowning people causing countless deaths. A scenario that may require a biohazard cleanup.
4. Landslides
An earthquake can activate landslides and mudslides in water-soaked soils and those situated uphill. The soil in these locations can dislodge as the ground starts to shake, leading to falling debris and rocks; these can collide with the environment, infrastructures, and people. In turn, landslides can take thousands of lives.
5. Soil Liquefaction
In the case of earthquakes, the shaking of the ground increases the pressure of shallow groundwater, therefore, liquefying sand and silt deposits. The liquefied surfaces lose strength, weakening the foundation and support of several structures such as buildings and other objects on the surface; these can sink into the ground, collapse, and dissolve.
6. Tsunamis
An earthquake that occurs in places near the bodies of water, for example, around the Pacific Ocean, can trigger a series of long and rapid waves of water. The fault line can start a sizable vertical slip when the ground ruptures, disturbing the ocean. This causes the water to travel outwards in any direction; this can be dangerous to humans and properties.
7. Property Damages, Injuries, and Deaths
Quakes can result in 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 risks and threaten human safety. This situation may need the help of professionals; this link can provide you with all the information about certain restoration companies.
The occurrence of an earthquake can never be forecasted; it happens at the most unexpected time and place. Scientists have remained to work, trying to find solutions for this dilemma, yet have constantly 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 acquired knowledge from this list involving earthquakes and their effects.