Over the years, earthquakes have been among the numerous natural calamities that have caused destruction to properties and claimed millions of lives. According to statistics, around fifty to eighty earthquakes happen each day in various areas worldwide. Despite hoping that it would not occur again, earthquakes are beyond our control. If this calamity occurs, below’s a list of the possible damages you can expect to emerge.
Destruction Caused By An Earthquake
1. Ground Shaking
During an earthquake, the ground will vibrate as the energy radiates outwards from the fault, moving like seismic waves similar to the ripples on the pond. These waves shake the earth as they pass through until it reaches the surface thus, shaking the ground and anything on it, producing severe damages to structures, roads, railways, and pipelines.
2. Fires
Fires brought on by an earthquake are considered the second most common risk of this calamity. Electric and gas lines can fall over when the ground starts to shake, exposing live wires and setting them gas-free. The escape of energy from these ruptured lines can induce electric shock and explosions thereby, producing fire.
3. Floods
The third significant hazard at the time of an earthquake is flooding. The shaking of the ground can destroy and collapse the walls and base of structures that hold water in dams and levees along a river. Water from these reservoirs can rage and flood the nearby location, damaging infrastructures and, at worst, drowning people resulting in countless deaths. A situation where biohazard cleanup companies are called for to clear and restore the site.
4. Landslides
An earthquake can trigger landslides and mudslides, primarily in water-soaked soils and uphill. The soil in these locations 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
When it comes to earthquakes, the shaking of the ground increases the pressure of shallow groundwater, therefore, liquefying sand and silt deposits. The liquefied surfaces lose strength, compromising 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. When this happens, contact a company specializing in property restoration like PuroClean Arlington to assist you in solving the problem.
6. Tsunamis
An earthquake that happens in places near the bodies of water, such as around the Pacific Ocean, can cause a tsunami, a series of long and rapid water waves. The fault line can activate a sizable vertical slip when the ground ruptures, disrupting the ocean. This induces the water to travel outwards in any direction; this can be dangerous to humans and properties.
7. Property Damages, Injuries, and Deaths
Earthquakes can lead to the total collapse of various 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 pose more threats and endanger human safety.
The occurrence of an earthquake can never be predicted; it occurs at the most unexpected time and location. Experts have continued to work, seeking solutions for this dilemma, yet have continuously failed. In the meantime, let us educate ourselves regarding earthquakes to help us be vigilant and prepared if a natural calamity strikes. We hope you understood this list concerning earthquakes and their impacts.
