LESSON 5 EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS

EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS
An earthquake poses a lot of hazards which can contribute to large economic and human losses, and
represents a serious impediment to socioeconomic development, creation of jobs and availability of funds
for poverty reduction initiatives.
In this module you will be introduced to the different hazards brought about by an earthquake.
Earthquake hazard and risk assessment is a fundamental tool for developing risk reduction measures and
constitutes the first step to support decisions and actions to reduce potential losses.

The learners develop a family emergency preparedness plan to guide them on what to do before, during
and after an earthquake.
An EARTHQUAKE is an unexpected discharge of energy in the earth's crust causing movements along a
fault line or a direct cause of a volcanic activity ensuing in the production of seismic waves. It is typify by a
hasty tremor on the earth's exterior. It is considered the deadliest and most dangerous natural
occurrence in the planet in terms of depth and length. The tremors caused by earthquakes can be so
powerful; it is capable of destroying an entire city and the collapse of major natural and man-made
structures within a few seconds of its occurrence. For decades, geologists have exerted effort in studying
this natural phenomenon but still are clueless in predicting it.

Two Major Classification of Earthquake

 NATURAL - This phenomenon are the naturally occurring earthquakes along fault lines
 MAN-MADE- This phenomenon are earthquakes caused by explosions detonated by man
The effects of an earthquake can be classified as primary or secondary.
 PRIMARY EFFECTS are permanent features an earthquake can bring out.
Examples include fault scarps, surface ruptures, and offsets of natural or human-constructed
objects.
 SECONDARY EFFECTS happen when ground movement results to other types of
destruction. Examples include landslides, tsunami, liquefaction and fire.

Classification of Earthquakes based on Cause:

1. TECTONIC EARTHQUAKES - Tectonic plates are slack movable fragments of lands on
the earth's crust. These plates have the tendency shift bit by bit at a steady rate. The
movements can be towards each other, away from each other, can smash together or
can glide past each other.
2. VOLCANIC EARTHQUAKES-Volcanic eruption produces tremors that occur before
or after an explosion. It is relatively not common unlike tectonic earthquake.
3. COLLAPSE EARTHQUAKES -Also known as "mine burst." Underground mining
usually produced a tremor that can be felt on earth's surface. It usually occurs in
locales utilized as mining sites.
4. EXPLOSION EARTHQUAKES - These are tremors directly caused by nuclear detonations.
Regarded as one of the ill-effects of nuclear war it occurs in places where nuclear
testing is done.

Below are the four earthquake hazards which are considered as secondary
effects of an earthquake:

1.Landslides

Seismic vibration is a common triggering

mechanism for landslides. Landslides can
have particularly devastating effects like
floods, blocking of rivers, death, and
damage to land and natural resources.
Landslides can be prevented by reinforcing
slope material, modifying the pathway for
surface and underwater and by putting piles
and retaining walls.
2.Liquefaction

Earthquake motion can turn loosely

packed, water-saturated soil to liquid—
"liquefaction.” Liquefied soil becomes
less compact and ultimately lose the
ability to support roads, buried pipes, and,
of course, houses. It is caused by
vibration or saturation with water which
causes the soil to decrease in density.
This poses danger for it lead to unstable
structures of buildings due to ground
subsidence.

3.Fires

Earthquakes cause fires. Even

moderate ground shaking can break
gas and electrical lines, sever fuel
lines, and overturn stoves. To further
complicate things, water pipes
rupture, so it would be impossible to
extinguish the fire.

4.Tsunami

A tsunami is a huge sea wave triggered

by a violent displacement of the ocean
floor. Underwater earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions or landslides can
cause tsunami. As it approaches a
shallow coastline, its speed decreased,
but the height of the tsunami increases
drastically, bringing so much damage
to nearby communities. Tsunamis can
also overwhelm sewage systems,
destroy structures and kill people.

An observant person can sense a

tsunami coming that by assessing the
following

1 FEEL - Do you FEEL severe tremor?

2.SEE - Do you SEE high water surge?
3.HEAR - Do you HEAR a bizarre howl?
4.RUN to an elevated ground if you experience strong shaking

 If you sense one or two signs of tsunami leave immediately.

 Government officials may not have sufficient time to make an official Tsunami
Warning.
 Look for a safe place to stay
 Do not try play around the tsunami nor surf.

TSUNAMI PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

P- Prepare and make a disaster supply kit and have a family plan
R- Readiness and awareness may protect you. Be able to follow your escape
route at night and during increment weather
E- Everyone in your household should know what to carry out if tsunami arises.
P- Practice the escape map you and your family created. Make sure to reach your
safe location on foot within 15 (fifteen) minutes.
A- Always set aside time to practice your escape route. This helps household
members not to panic during an actual emergency.
R- Remember where to pick your children based on the school mass departure plan.
E- Engage yourself in the community's evacuation plans, warning systems and
disaster preparedness activities. D- Determine the elevation of your street
above sea level and the expanse of your street from the shoreline. N- Notify
tourist with local tsunami protocols
E- Earthquake can happen any time. If you are in a beach or shoreline, be wary of
the warning signs of tsunami better yet tune in to local radio station for latest
tsunami advisory
S- Secure all important documents
S- Safety of the whole family should be your priority.

MEASURES THAT CAN BE TAKEN DURING A TSUNAMI:

1. Run to a higher ground, at least ten meters above sea level. Stay away from all body of
water
2. If your house is near coastal area and need to evacuate, carry only essential item
like documents, family pictures and maintenance medicines.
3. In cases of emergency, it is more practical to walk or run than ride acar
4. If you cannot leave the area, take shelter in multi-storey concrete buildings or sturdy
branches oftrees.
5. Do not be a looker-on, stay in a safe area. There is a possibility of land inundation
6. Monitor latest news from radio, TV or official announcement of local officials.

MAP INTERPRETATION is the process looking at the map in order for us to be guided
to a direction or place where we wanted to go using the different symbols or
elements of the map.

There are seven important components of a map. These components will help you interpret
amap.

1. Compass rose. This will give you the proper direction. This is alsocalled it
“orientation.”
2. Title. It tells what the map is about.
3. Symbols. These are pictures instead of symbols.
4. Legend or Key. It explains the meaning of symbols and colour.
5. Colour. It highlights the important information to help interpret maps.
6. Scale. It shows the proportion of map to real life.
7. Grid Reference. These are intersecting lines to help locate specific places on the
map. In some maps, it is also called “border.”

Top 10 Provinces at Risk for Top 10 Provinces at Risk for Top 10 Provinces at Risk for
Earthquake Earthquake Shallow Landslide Tsunami

1. Surigao del Sur 1. Ifugao 1. Sulu

2. La Union 2. Lanao del Sur 2. Tawi-Tawi
3. Benguet 3. Sarangani 3. Basilan
4. Pangasinan 4. Benguet 4. Batanes
5. Pampanga 5. Mountain Province 5. Guimaras
6. Tarlac 6. Bukidnon 6. Romblon
7. Ifugao 7. Aurora 7. Siquijor
8. Davao Oriental 8. Davao del Sur 8. Surigao del Norte
9. Nueva Vizcaya 9. Davao Oriental 9. Camiguin
10. Nueva Ecija 10. Rizal 10. Masbate
Source Manila Observatory and DENR

Philippine Provinces At risk for Geological Hazards

PROTECTING YOURSELF DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

PHASES OF

PHASE 1.

ALARM
A pre-arranged signal such as the sound of a siren or bell should be
known to all. During the drill, that sound indicates an earthquake or shaking
Students and teachers will be alerted by this signal
PHASE 2. RESPONSE
While the sound of the siren or bell is ongoing everyone should move away
from windows, glass, or light fixtures. In this phase, everyone should duck, cover and
hold under desks, tables or chairs. Remain in this position until the "shaking" stops
PHASE 3. EVACUATION
Once the "shaking stops, teachers and students should evacuate the
school building and proceed using pre- determined routes to the designated
evacuation areas.
PHASE 4 ASSEMBLY
At the designated evacuation area students must be grouped together according to
the class where they belong.
PHASE 5 HEAD COUNT
Teachers should check and make sure all students are accounted for.
PHASE 6. EVALUATION
An evaluation of the drill must be conducted to identify problems encountered during
the drill and how this can be corrected in future earthquake drills