The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6 was one of the deadliest in a decade. Thousands of people have died in the two countries. and the death toll continues to rise
Turkey (Turkey) is a country that is frequently hit by serious earthquakes, between 1939 and 1999 it was hit by five major earthquakes.
Since 1900, 90,000 people have died in Turkey from 76 earthquakes, half of them between 1939 and 1999.
Other deadly earthquakes in the past 20 years are the 2021 earthquake in Haiti that killed 2,200 people, the 2018 quake in Indonesia that killed more than 4,300, and the 2017 quake in Iran that killed more than 400. person
earthquake prediction
The scientist said It is even possible to know where there is an earthquake trend. But mankind has not yet been able to predict the exact time that When will an earthquake occur?
So how can humans predict earthquakes?
“The answer is no way,” said Dr Stephen Hicks, a tremor expert at Imperial College London.
“But what we can do is predict earthquakes. We assess the possibility Like in California of the United States or Japan. It’s more accurate now.”
But what if an earthquake actually happened? How do we save lives?
be prepared
Although predicting earthquakes is not easy. But experts suggest that We should always be prepared. Have an earthquake plan with you
“If you live in the area It’s important to have a bag for emergencies in the house. very helpful,” said Dr. Hicks.
The emergency bag should contain drinking water, flashlight, first aid kit and food for survival.
The Red Cross stated that The emergency response kit should still have money. and copies of important personal documents Including a list of medications that must be used.
Stay in place if the building you are in is safe.
The US Geological Survey says you’re less likely to be injured. if stationary don’t run outside or go to another room in the building during an earthquake
“Bow down, take cover, and stay there” is advice for saving lives.
bend down to the floor hold your head with your hands It will protect you from falling objects. It also puts you in a position to move a little if needed.
If there is no emergency evacuation center near your residence, the department recommends that you hide under a table. and find an anchor until the vibration stops
The normal reaction to an earthquake is to stand at the door. But experts say You’ll be safer if you hide under a table. If you live in a relatively old house
Windows and alcoves are often the first parts of a building to collapse, so experts recommend staying away from these dangerous spots.
go outside If you feel safe
After the earthquake stopped going out of the house to be in the outdoor area will be the safest thing Because the building you are in may collapse.
If you are stuck in a building during an earthquake when the earthquake stops therefore should go out
But what if the earthquake occurs while you are already outdoors?
“Stay there,” the experts advise. He added that try to stay away from the building. electrical and communication cables, sewer caps, gas pipes, and various oil pipelines to reduce the risk of injury.
It’s safer to go out into an open area. Stay away from trees, communication towers, and buildings.
stay away from danger
According to the coalition of earthquake-prone countries, the majority of the deaths and injuries from earthquakes as a result of falling objects Or blown into such as televisions, lamps, mirrors and bookshelves.
How to avoid such injuries You can do this by attaching these heavy pieces of furniture to the wall. with retractable straps
Another major danger announced was gas leaking from ruptured pipes. following the earthquake
Dr. Hicks gave an example of the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. with more than 3,000 deaths
“Most of the fatalities are caused by gas pipeline explosions. Not from the building shaking until it collapses,” he said, advising to avoid approaching flammable areas.
exercise
Dr. Hicks also stressed the importance of earthquake drills.
“In some countries, there are rehearsals of what to do in the face of an earthquake. But in the case of Turkey would not have been rehearsed very often because he had not faced a great earthquake for a long time.”