Earthquake Safety: What to Do and Avoid When You Feel the Tremor
Image source, Reuters
Reading time: 6 minutes
Every year, hundreds of earthquakes worldwide cause significant damage to people and property.
On 24 June last week, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within a minute, resulting in at least 1,450 deaths and over 4,300 injuries. With a magnitude of 7.5, the second quake is the strongest in Venezuela since 1900.
Many buildings collapsed due to the earthquake, leaving numerous people trapped under debris or unable to evacuate.
In February 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Turkey and Syria caused over 55,000 deaths, according to the British Red Cross. This is considered the deadliest earthquake of the decade.
Turkey lies in a high-risk earthquake zone and experienced five major earthquakes between 1939 and 1999. Since 1900, earthquakes in this region have cost nearly 100,000 lives.
In March 2025, another earthquake in Myanmar claimed 3,600 lives, while over 2,200 people died in Haiti in 2021. Indonesia reported more than 4,300 deaths in 2018, and Iran over 400 deaths in 2017 due to earthquakes.
Nepal lost around 9,000 lives in the devastating 2015 earthquake.
Last year, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting tsunami warnings from countries around the Pacific Ocean, including the US and Japan.
This quake ranks among the six most powerful ever recorded in Russia. The US Geological Survey (USGS) also recorded magnitude 8.8 earthquakes in Chile in 2010 and Ecuador in 1906, both of which caused significant human casualties, unlike the Russian quake.
Since last year, thousands of small tremors have been detected on the Greek island of Santorini.
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Is Earthquake Prediction Possible?
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Scientists say we are still far from being able to predict exactly when and where earthquakes will strike, though probabilities can be indicated.
Can we predict earthquakes?
Dr. Stephen Hicks, a seismologist at Imperial College London, says, “Unfortunately, prediction is not currently possible.”
However, we can forecast and identify risk probabilities. For example, seismic indicators can be observed in places like California and Japan.
What can be done to stay safe and what should be avoided?
Be Prepared
Image source, Hannibal Hanschke/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
Because it is difficult to predict exactly when an earthquake will strike, experts advise always being prepared and having a plan.
Dr. Hicks recommends that if you live in an earthquake-prone area, you should keep emergency supplies at home.
These supplies should include extra water, torches, a first aid kit, and food.
The Red Cross also advises keeping copies of vital documents, such as cash and medication lists, readily accessible.
If Your Building Is Safe, Stay Inside
According to the USGS, staying where you are reduces the risk of injury.
Therefore, you should not run outside or move to a different room during an earthquake.
Experts emphasize the safety mantra “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
By kneeling and placing your hands down, you can protect yourself from falling objects. If no safer spot is nearby, sit under a table or desk and hold on until the shaking stops.
Even in older buildings, staying under a table is safer because windows and higher parts of the building are the first to collapse and should be avoided.
Going Outside Isn’t Necessarily Safer
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It’s best to go outside only after the earthquake has stopped.
But what if you are outside when the earthquake strikes?
Experts advise, “Stay where you are.”
Keep away from electrical and internet cables, fuel and gas pipes to avoid injuries.
Choose open areas far from trees, telephone poles, and buildings, similar to safety advice in Russia.
Choose Safe Areas
The Earthquake Country Alliance notes that most injuries and fatalities during quakes result from falling televisions, lights, glass, and cabinet contents.
One important safety measure is securing heavy furniture with flexible straps to prevent tipping.
Another major post-earthquake hazard is gas leaks from broken pipelines.
Dr. Hicks refers to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, where over 3,000 died, most from gas explosions.
He advises staying away from all flammable materials.
Image source, Juan Barreto / Contributor via Getty Images
Practice Drills
Dr. Hicks emphasizes the importance of practicing earthquake response actions.
“Some countries hold earthquake drills where everyone practices what to do. Turkey’s affected region probably lacked this because it has been a long time since their last quake.”
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