Although we may not be able to prevent earthquakes from
occurring, we are able to limit the damage caused by these natural disasters in
many ways including: Education, advanced engineering, using early warning
systems and implementing plans to help recover in case of an earthquake.
Education:
One of the ways we can limit the number of deaths and injuries caused by earthquakes is through education. Some areas that are prone to earthquakes, such as Japan, already have education systems in place so that residents of all ages are aware about how earthquakes are caused and what to do when one occurs. A US study found that areas that have educational systems in place are more resilient to disaster and that education has played a more decisive role in saving lives than physical protective measures. By implementing programs that educate society about the dangers of earthquakes and how to respond if there is one, nations can save lives and mitigate the effects of the disaster.
Figure 12: Education- protecting yourself during an earthquake
One of the ways we can limit the number of deaths and injuries caused by earthquakes is through education. Some areas that are prone to earthquakes, such as Japan, already have education systems in place so that residents of all ages are aware about how earthquakes are caused and what to do when one occurs. A US study found that areas that have educational systems in place are more resilient to disaster and that education has played a more decisive role in saving lives than physical protective measures. By implementing programs that educate society about the dangers of earthquakes and how to respond if there is one, nations can save lives and mitigate the effects of the disaster.
Figure 12: Education- protecting yourself during an earthquake
Early Warning Systems:
If it hadn’t been for Japan’s developed early warning system issuing a warning less than a minute before the Tohoku earthquake struck, thousands more people would have died. Although we cannot predict when an earthquake will occur, we can implement early warning systems that can detect P waves caused by the earthquake, warning citizens to move away from tall, unstable buildings or get under a sturdy object such as a table. P waves are a type of seismic wave and arrive before the S waves which are seismic waves that cause the ground to shake and cause the most damage. Not only will these systems warn people to take cover, but they can warn moving vehicles such as trains to brake to avoid derailment.
Figure 13: Early warning alert
If it hadn’t been for Japan’s developed early warning system issuing a warning less than a minute before the Tohoku earthquake struck, thousands more people would have died. Although we cannot predict when an earthquake will occur, we can implement early warning systems that can detect P waves caused by the earthquake, warning citizens to move away from tall, unstable buildings or get under a sturdy object such as a table. P waves are a type of seismic wave and arrive before the S waves which are seismic waves that cause the ground to shake and cause the most damage. Not only will these systems warn people to take cover, but they can warn moving vehicles such as trains to brake to avoid derailment.
Figure 13: Early warning alert
Engineering:
Damage to buildings caused by earthquakes can cost millions of dollars and crumbling buildings can crush people and rupture gas or power lines, causing fires. There are several design techniques that can be incorporated into buildings in earthquake prone areas to make them more resilient against earthquakes. One of the factors that affect how robust a structure is, is its shape and size. Shapes such as pyramids and domes, which have low height to base ratios, are able to withstand seismic waves more effectively than rectangular prisms and cubes. Taller, slimmer buildings are more unstable and more likely to fracture than shorter, wider buildings. Taller buildings should be designed with a degree of flexibility so that the earthquake’s energy can be absorbed. Methods of incorporating flexibility include base isolation and foundation dampers as shown in the figures below. These methods reduce the amount of energy which is transferred to the structure.
Damage to buildings caused by earthquakes can cost millions of dollars and crumbling buildings can crush people and rupture gas or power lines, causing fires. There are several design techniques that can be incorporated into buildings in earthquake prone areas to make them more resilient against earthquakes. One of the factors that affect how robust a structure is, is its shape and size. Shapes such as pyramids and domes, which have low height to base ratios, are able to withstand seismic waves more effectively than rectangular prisms and cubes. Taller, slimmer buildings are more unstable and more likely to fracture than shorter, wider buildings. Taller buildings should be designed with a degree of flexibility so that the earthquake’s energy can be absorbed. Methods of incorporating flexibility include base isolation and foundation dampers as shown in the figures below. These methods reduce the amount of energy which is transferred to the structure.
Planning:
Some Earthquake prone nations have plans in place to help recover from earthquakes as quickly as possible. These strategies focus on helping those in immediate need and restoring critical infrastructure such as electricity and water, since the recovery cannot go far without these resources. By introducing these plans, the country affected by the earthquake is able to move straight on to repairing the city instead of wasting time sorting out how to fix the vast amount of damage caused by the disaster. This can reduce ongoing deaths caused by lack of clean water and shelter.
Figure 16: Earthquake Plan
Some Earthquake prone nations have plans in place to help recover from earthquakes as quickly as possible. These strategies focus on helping those in immediate need and restoring critical infrastructure such as electricity and water, since the recovery cannot go far without these resources. By introducing these plans, the country affected by the earthquake is able to move straight on to repairing the city instead of wasting time sorting out how to fix the vast amount of damage caused by the disaster. This can reduce ongoing deaths caused by lack of clean water and shelter.
Figure 16: Earthquake Plan