An earthquake is a violent shaking of the Earth's surface resulting from a sudden release of energy in the earth's crust, which creates seismic waves. It is one of the deadliest natural disasters and often results in ground breaking, earth trembling and liquefaction, landslides, tremors or tsunamis.

If we look at the structure of the earthquakes that occur around the world, it becomes clear that most of the seismic activity is concentrated in a number of different earthquake belts. Earthquakes are unpredictable in terms of when they strike, but certain areas are the most likely to hit.

The world map of earthquakes shows that most of them lie in precise zones, often along the edges of the continents or in the middle of the ocean. The world is divided into seismic zones based on tectonic plates and earthquake magnitude. Here list of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world:

Several cities are also vulnerable to earthquake damage in Indonesia. Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, is in a difficult position. Not only is it located atop the Pacific Ring of Fire, but, just under half the city is below sea level, it sits on soft ground that has the potential to liquefy if struck by an earthquake of sufficient magnitude.

But the complications don't end there. The height of Jakarta also puts the city at risk of flooding. On December 26, 2004, an earthquake occurred in the Indian Ocean with its epicenter on the west coast of the island of Sumatra, Indonesia.

A mega-strength underwater earthquake occurred when the Indian Plate subducted under the Burma Plate and triggered a series of devastating tsunamis along the coast of much of the Indian Ocean coastline, killing 230,000 people in 14 countries, and flooding coastal areas with waves up to 30 meters high.

Indonesia was the most affected area, with the most deaths estimated at around 170,000. This is the third largest earthquake ever recorded on seismographs.

Turkey is located in the seismic zone between the Arabian, Eurasian and African plates. This geographic location suggests that an earthquake can occur in the country at any given time. Turkey has a long history of large earthquakes, which often occur in progressive contiguous earthquakes.

The magnitude 7.6 earthquake that hit western Turkey on August 17, 1999 is one of the world's longest and most well-studied strike-slip (horizontal) faults: the East-West strike of the North Anatolian Fault.

The incident lasted only 37 seconds, killing about 17,000 people. Over 50,000 people were injured and over 5,000,000 people were left homeless, making it one of the most devastating earthquakes of the 20th century.

Mexico is another earthquake prone country and has experienced several high magnitude earthquakes in the past. Located on three large tectonic plates, namely the Cocos Plate, the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, which make up the earth's surface, Mexico is one of the most seismically active areas on earth.

The movement of these plates causes earthquakes and volcanic activity. Mexico has an extensive history of devastating earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In September 1985, an earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale was concentrated in the 300-kilometer subduction zone off Acapulco, killing 4,000 people in Mexico City.

One of the recent earthquakes occurred in 2014 in the state of Guerrero with a magnitude of 7.2, the impact caused numerous casualties in the region.

El Salvador is another dangerous seismically active country where massive damage was done due to the earthquake. The small Central American Republic of El Salvador has experienced, on average, one devastating earthquake per decade over the past hundred years. There were two large earthquakes on January 13 and February 13, 2001, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 6.6, respectively.

These two events, which have different tectonic origins, show patterns in the region's seismicity, although neither of these events had known precedents in the earthquake catalog in terms of size and location. Earthquakes damaged thousands of traditionally built houses and caused hundreds of landslides, which are the main causes of deaths.

Earthquakes have clearly shown increasing trends in seismic risk in El Salvador due to rapid population growth in areas of high quake and landslide risk, exacerbated by deforestation and uncontrolled urbanization. The institutional arrangements needed to control land use and building practices are very weak and represent a major barrier to risk reduction.

Another earthquake-prone country is Pakistan, which is geologically and chemically located in the Indus-Tsangpo suture zone, which is about 200 km north of the front Himalayas and is defined by an ophiolite chain along the southern margin. This region has the highest rates of seismic activity and the largest earthquakes in the Himalaya region, caused mainly by fault movement.

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Pakistan's Kashmir in October 2005, killing more than 73,000 people, many in remote parts of the country, in sparsely populated urban centers such as Islamabad. Most recently, in September 2013, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale occurred, causing enormous damage to people's lives and property, killing at least 825 people and injuring hundreds of people.

The Philippines lies on the edge of the Pacific Plate, which has traditionally been considered a seismically hot zone that surrounds the state. The danger of earthquakes in Manila is created three times more often. The city comfortably adjoins the Pacific Ring of Fire, which, of course, makes it especially sensitive not only to earthquakes, but also to volcanic eruptions.

The threat to Manila is aggravated by soft soil, which poses a risk of soil liquefaction. On October 15, 2013, an earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale hit the central Philippines. According to official statistics from the National Disaster Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 222 people died, 8 were missing, and 976 people were injured.

Overall, more than 73,000 buildings and structures were damaged, of which more than 14,500 were completely destroyed. It was the deadliest earthquake in the Philippines in 23 years. The power released by the earthquake was equivalent to 32 Hiroshima bombs.

Ecuador has several active volcanoes, making the country extremely prone to high magnitude earthquakes and tremors. The country is located in a seismic zone between the South American Plate and the Nazca Plate. Earthquakes that affect Ecuador can be divided into those that are the result of movement along the subduction junction along the plate boundary, those that are the result of deformation within the S American and Nazca Plates, and those associated with active volcanoes.

On August 12, 2014, an earthquake of magnitude 5.1 on the Richter scale struck Quito, followed by an aftershock of magnitude 4.3. 2 people died and 8 were injured.

India has also experienced a series of several deadly earthquakes due to the movement of the Indian tectonic plate at a rate of 47mm every year. Due to the movement of tectonic plates, India is prone to earthquakes. India has been divided into five zones based on peak ground acceleration.

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake generated the third deadliest tsunami in the history of the world, killing 15,000 people in India. The earthquake in the state of Gujarat occurred on January 26, 2001, on the celebration of the 52nd day of the Republic of India.

It lasted more than 2 minutes and amounted to 7.7 points on the kanamori scale, according to statistics, from 13,805 to 20,023 people died, another 167,000 people were injured and about 400,000 houses were destroyed.

If the calculations are correct, then a citizen in Nepal is more likely to die in an earthquake than any citizen in the world. Nepal is a country prone to natural disasters. Floods, landslides, epidemics and fires cause significant property damage in Nepal every year. It is one of the most seismically active regions in the world.

Mountains are built as a result of the movement of Indian tectonic plates under Central Asia. These two large plates of the earth's crust are approaching at a relative rate of 4-5 cm per year. The peaks on Everest and its sister mountains are subject to numerous aftershocks. In addition, the remains of a prehistoric lake, in a 300-meter deep layer of black clay, lie in the lowlands of the Kathmandu valley. This increases the damage from strong earthquakes.

Thus, the region becomes susceptible to soil liquefaction. During strong earthquakes, solid ground turns into a kind of quicksand, swallowing everything above the ground. In April 2015, an earthquake in Nepal killed more than 8,000 people and injured more than 21,000. The earthquake triggered an avalanche on Everest where 21 people died, making 25 April 2015 the deadliest day on the mountain in history.

Japan tops the list of earthquake-prone areas. Japan's physical geographic location along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes the country very sensitive to earthquakes and tsunamis. Ring of Fire - The tectonic plates in the Pacific Basin are responsible for 90% of the world's earthquakes and 81% of the world's strongest earthquakes.

At the pinnacle of its prolific tectonic activity, Japan is also home to 452 volcanoes, making it the most destructive geographic location in terms of natural disasters. The powerful earthquake that hit Japan on March 11, 2011 struck hard and became one of the five largest earthquakes in the world since the beginning of seismological records.

It was followed by a tsunami with waves up to 10 m high. The disaster killed thousands of people and caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, which led to significant accidents at four large nuclear power plants.

You will see the effects of the most powerful earthquakes in the world and understand why this phenomenon is considered so dangerous.

Most of the largest earthquakes follow the same scenario: rigid plate structures, consisting of the earth's crust and mantle, move by colliding with each other. In total, there are 7 largest plates in the world: Antarctic, Eurasian, Indo-Australian, North American, Pacific and South American.

Over the past two billion years, the movement of the plates has accelerated significantly, which, accordingly, increased the chances of such a catastrophe. On the other hand, based on studies of the movement of tectonic plates, scientists can, albeit approximately, predict the appearance of the next major earthquake. Based on publicly available data, we have estimated a list of cities where the likelihood of such an event is very high right now.

San Francisco

A powerful earthquake with an epicenter in the Santa Cruz Mountains, about a hundred kilometers from the city of San Francisco, is just around the corner. More specifically, over the next couple of years. However, most of the inhabitants of the City by the Bay prepared for the catastrophe, having stocked up for the future with medicines, drinking water and food. In turn, the city authorities are busy with the fact that they urgently carry out work to strengthen buildings.

Fremantle

Fremantle is a port city located on the west coast of Australia. According to seismological research by specialists from the University of Sydney, from the end of 2016 to 2024, a strong earthquake of about 6 on the Richter scale is expected there. However, the main danger is that the shock could occur at the bottom of the ocean near the city, causing a tsunami.

Tokyo

According to experts, a major earthquake with an epicenter in the Japanese capital with a probability of 75% can occur at any time within the next 30 years. According to the model created by scientists, about 23 thousand people will become a victim of the disaster and over 600 thousand buildings will be destroyed. In addition to improving the seismic resistance of buildings and demolishing old structures, the Tokyo administration will introduce non-combustible building materials. The 1995 Kobe earthquake showed the Japanese that people are more likely to fall victim not to collapsed buildings, but to post-disaster fires.

Los Angeles

Earthquakes in the City of Angels happen quite often, but there have been no truly large ones for more than a century. The more gloomy is the forecast presented by seismologists and geologists from the US Geological Society. Based on the analysis of soils and tectonic plates under central California, scientists concluded that before 2037 an earthquake of magnitude 6.7 could occur here. A push of such force, under certain circumstances, can turn a city into ruins.

Panama

Over the next few years, a powerful earthquake, with a power of more than 8.5 on the Richter scale, will occur in the area of ​​the Isthmus of Panama. These conclusions were made by specialists from the University of San Diego, after they conducted seismological studies of faults adjacent to the Panama Canal. The action of an earthquake of truly catastrophic proportions will be felt by the inhabitants of both Americas. And most of all, of course, the capital of the republic, Panama, where about 1.5 million people live, will suffer.

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

A strong earthquake in the medium term, that is, in the next 4-5 years, will occur in the area of ​​Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Such data were reported in the seismology department of the Schmidt Institute of Physics of the Earth. In connection with this forecast, work is underway to strengthen buildings in Kamchatka, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations checks the seismic resistance of buildings. In addition, a network of stations was organized to monitor the symptoms of an approaching earthquake: high-frequency fluctuations in the earth's crust, water levels in wells, fluctuations in magnetic fields.

Grozny

According to the same department of seismology, a major earthquake in the period from 2017 to 2036. may occur in the North Caucasus, on the border of Chechnya and Dagestan. In contrast to the situation in Kamchatka, no work is being carried out to reduce the possible damage from earthquakes, which can lead to a greater number of human casualties than if such work were carried out.

New York

New research results by American seismologists from Columbia University indicate a high seismic hazard at the present time in the vicinity of New York. The magnitude of the earthquake could reach five points, which could lead to the complete destruction of old buildings in the city. Another cause for concern was the nuclear power plant, located right at the intersection of two faults, ie. in an extremely dangerous region. Its destruction could make New York a second Chernobyl.

Banda Aceh

Indonesia is located in the most seismically active zone of the planet, and therefore you will not surprise anyone here with earthquakes. In particular, the island of Sumatra, constantly turns out to be almost right at the epicenter of tremors. An exception will not be a new earthquake predicted by seismologists, with an epicenter 28 km from the city of Banda Aceh, which will occur in the next six months.

Bucharest

The strongest earthquake in Romania can be provoked by blasting in shale rocks carried out in the Carpathian Mountains. Geophysicists from the Romanian National Institute report that the epicenter of the future earthquake will be in the same place, at a depth of 40 kilometers. The fact is that work to search for shale gas in these layers of the earth can cause displacements of the earth's crust and, as a result, earthquakes.

A low howling sound was heard from under the ground, then repeated and began to grow. Instinctive fear made me jump to my feet. At that moment, the ground beneath me trembled. There was a palpable jolt from below. Then it shook so that I fell on my side. It creaked under the ground. Suddenly, a winding crack split the dune and immediately disappeared, swallowed up by crumbling sand. The murmur, which had subsided, began to grow again. Again, the push is stronger than those that have already been. The rumble and rattle were deafening. The dune was leaving me: sand, like water, flowed down. All of a sudden everything was quiet. The aftershocks have stopped

Nedyalkov, 1970

Geography of earthquakes

Earthquakes do not occur everywhere on Earth. In some parts of the world they occur frequently, while in others they almost never occur. If you look at the map of our planet, on which the centers of seismic activity are plotted, then it is easy to notice the quirkiness of the resulting “pattern”. Scientists began to unravel this pattern when they became convinced that the earth's crust is not a single monolith. Basically, earthquake sources are concentrated in three zones:

The second zone is the Mediterranean-Asian belt. It runs in a wide strip from Portugal and Spain through Italy, the Balkan Peninsula, Iran, the Caucasus, the countries of Southwest Asia, through the Central Asian republics, goes to the Baikal region and then connects to the Pacific coast with the first belt

The third zone runs along the median ridges in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, where giant seismically active zones are located. The ridges connect with each other, and the middle ridge of the Indian Ocean bypasses Australia from the south and connects with another ridge - the East Pacific Rise. It stretches east to Central America and then to the Gulf of California. The entire system of ridges is characterized by a turbulent geological situation. Volcanoes often erupt here, and earthquakes form a whole series: many hundreds of shocks occur in a small area within a short time.

Of the three seismic zones, the most active is the Pacific coast and its islands. Suffice it to say that out of all the energy released annually on the globe during earthquakes in the amount of 10.25 to 10.26 erg (corresponds approximately to the energy of the Dneproges power plant with continuous operation for 300-350 years), the Pacific belt accounts for 75-80%. 2/3 of the world's largest earthquakes occur here

In the Mediterranean-Asian belt (often called the Alpine) the total number of earthquakes is somewhat less: their total energy is 15-20% of the world's seismic energy. Compared to the Pacific and Alpine belts, the seismic activity of the mid-ocean ridges is low. Earthquakes are not so strong here (3-7% of the seismic energy of all earthquakes in the world)

The Krasnoyarsk Territory is a seismically relatively calm zone, however, in our time, tremors occur more often and become stronger

Today it is no secret to anyone that on all continents of our planet there is a significant increase in cataclysms and natural disasters, which are associated with cosmic cyclic processes and, as a result, global climate change. The increase in activity and frequency of natural disasters on a planetary scale falls on seismic activity. Scientists around the world are concerned about the constantly changing data on the increase in the number of earthquakes. Not only their number is growing, but also the intensity, location, nature of destructive actions.

Thus, the area of ​​special attention for the scientific direction of climate geoengineering and the entire world community today are two points on different hemispheres of the globe - the Yellowstone caldera in the USA and the Aira caldera in Japan. These are two huge underground volcanoes, standing at the junction of lithospheric plates. According to scientists, the activation of one of them can lead to the subsequent activation of the other, and this is not only a large-scale eruption, but also earthquakes, tsunamis and other consequences. The scale of such a global catastrophe is difficult to assess.

This and other important issues of early warning of people about impending cataclysms were openly stated in 2014 by the world community of ALLATRA SCIENCE scientists in the report “On the Problems and Consequences of Global Climate Change on Earth. Effective ways to solve these problems.

Earthquake.

According to the official terminology, an earthquake is a shaking of the earth's surface or underground points, which are a reflection of the internal geological changes of the planet. This effect is based on the displacement of tectonic plates, which lead to ruptures of the earth's crust and mantle. As a result, oscillatory movements, depending on the intensity of the process, can spread over long distances, bringing with them not only a destructive effect on social infrastructure, but also a threat to people's lives.

This issue deals with a special science - seismology. Several areas are being actively studied, including: deepening in knowledge of what seismic activity is in its essence and what it is connected with, possible forecasting of these natural disasters, for timely warning and evacuation of people. Like any other science, seismology can actively develop only in mutually beneficial symbiosis with other sciences (physics, history, biology, geophysics, etc.), since the fundamental basis for all knowledge on our planet is, of course, common.

Seismic activity online and in the world.

Seismic monitoring is developing in most countries, regardless of the territory, frequency and threat of earthquake development. In addition, a seismic monitor is one of the fundamental factors in the development and preservation of the integrity of energy industry facilities. Almost every person on the planet today is an active consumer of electricity. Therefore, power plants are located in all countries and on all continents, including the zone of increased seismic hazard. The action of such a destructive force of nature is fraught not only with an energy catastrophe, but also with global environmental problems.

In order to control seismic processes (earthquakes), study them and warn the public in advance about their occurrence, seismic stations are built in designated areas. All the necessary characteristics of tremors are studied - the magnitude, location and depth of the source.

Earthquakes online.

For all people, thanks to Internet technologies, data is also available today: “earthquakes online”. This is the so-called earthquake map, which provide information about tremors around the world around the clock.

Active participants of ALLATRA International Public Movement have developed the most complete map of seismic activity, which displays objective data from world information portals and seismic monitoring stations. Informing the public and awareness of the processes taking place on the planet, their causes and consequences is the main task of this project.

Today, each person can observe a significant increase in abnormal weather changes, natural disasters, and cataclysms. The active participation of all people, unity, mutual assistance and friendship, the prevalence of true moral and spiritual values ​​in society is the key to the survival of civilization in the future.

It seems that natural disasters happen once every hundred years, and our vacation in one or another exotic country lasts only a few days.

The frequency of earthquakes of different magnitudes in the world per year

• 1 earthquake with a magnitude of 8 or more
• 10 - with a magnitude of 7.0 - 7.9 points
• 100 - with a magnitude of 6.0 - 6.9 points
• 1000 - with a magnitude of 5.0 - 5.9 points

Earthquake intensity scale

Mexico City, Mexico

One of the most densely populated cities in the world is known for its insecurity. In the 20th century, this part of Mexico experienced the force of more than forty earthquakes, the magnitude of which exceeded 7 on the Richter scale. In addition, the soil under the city is saturated with water, which makes high-rise buildings vulnerable to natural disasters.

The most destructive were the tremors of 1985, when about 10,000 people died. In 2012, the epicenter of the earthquake fell on the southeastern part of Mexico, but the vibrations were well felt in Mexico City and Guatemala, about 200 houses were destroyed.

2013 and 2014 were also marked by high seismic activity in different parts of the country. Despite all this, Mexico City is still attractive for tourists due to its picturesque landscapes and numerous monuments of ancient culture.

Concepcion, Chile

Chile's second largest city, Concepción, located in the heart of the country near Santiago, regularly becomes a victim of aftershocks. In 1960, the famous Great Chilean earthquake with the highest magnitude in history of 9.5 destroyed this popular Chilean resort, as well as Valdivia, Puerto Montt, etc.

In 2010, the epicenter was again located near Concepción, about one and a half thousand houses were destroyed, and in 2013 the focus submerged to a depth of 10 km off the coast of central Chile (magnitude 6.6 points). However, today Concepción does not lose popularity among both seismologists and tourists.

It is interesting that the elements haunt Concepción for a long time. At the beginning of its history, it was located in Penko, but due to a series of devastating tsunamis in 1570, 1657, 1687, 1730, the city was moved slightly south of its former location.

Ambato, Ecuador

Today, Ambato attracts travelers with its mild climate, beautiful landscapes, parks and gardens, and massive fruit and vegetable fairs. The old buildings of the colonial era are intricately combined here with new buildings.

Several times this young city, located in the central part of Ecuador, two and a half hours drive from the capital Quito, was destroyed by earthquakes. The most powerful were the aftershocks of 1949, which razed many buildings to the ground and claimed more than 5,000 lives.

Recently, the seismic activity of Ecuador has continued: in 2010, an earthquake of magnitude 7.2 occurred southeast of the capital and was felt throughout the country, in 2014 the epicenter moved to the Pacific coast of Colombia and Ecuador, however, in these two cases there were no casualties .

Los Angeles, USA

Predicting devastating earthquakes in Southern California is a favorite pastime for geoscientists. The fears are justified: the seismic activity of this area is associated with the San Andreas Fault, which runs along the Pacific coast through the state.

History remembers the most powerful earthquake of 1906, which claimed 1500 lives. In 2014, the sunny year managed to survive twice the tremors (magnitude 6.9 and 5.1 points), which affected the city with minor destruction of houses and a severe headache for residents.

True, no matter how much seismologists frighten with their warnings, the “city of angels” Los Angeles is always full of visitors, and the tourist infrastructure here is incredibly developed.

Tokyo, Japan

It is no coincidence that the Japanese proverb says: "Earthquakes, fires and the father are the worst punishments." As you know, Japan is located at the junction of two tectonic layers, the friction of which often causes both small and extremely destructive tremors.

For example, in 2011, the Sendai earthquake and tsunami near Honshu (magnitude 9) killed more than 15,000 Japanese. At the same time, the people of Tokyo are already accustomed to the fact that several earthquakes of minor magnitude occur every year. Regular fluctuations impress only visitors.

Despite the fact that most of the buildings of the capital were built taking into account possible shocks, in the face of powerful cataclysms, residents are defenseless.

Repeatedly in its history, Tokyo disappeared from the face of the earth and was restored again. The great Kanto earthquake of 1923 turned the city into ruins, and 20 years later, rebuilt, it was destroyed by a large-scale bombing by American air forces.

Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, seems to be created for tourists: it has many cozy parks and squares, miniature bridges and tunnels, architectural monuments and unusual museums. People come here to take part in the grandiose Summer City Program festivals and admire the panoramas that became the set of the Hollywood trilogy The Lord of the Rings.

Meanwhile, the city was and remains a seismically active zone, year after year experiencing tremors of varying strength. In 2013, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck just 60 kilometers away, causing power outages in many parts of the country.

In 2014, Wellington residents felt tremors in the northern part of the country (magnitude 6.3).

Cebu, Philippines

Earthquakes in the Philippines are a fairly common occurrence, which, of course, does not in the least frighten those who like to lie on white sand or swim with a mask and snorkel in clear sea water. During the year, on average, there are more than 35 earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.0-5.9 points and one with a magnitude of 6.0-7.9 points.

Most of them are vibration echoes, the epicenters of which are located deep under water, which creates the danger of a tsunami. The tremors of 2013 claimed more than 200 lives, led to serious destruction in one of the most popular resorts of Cebu and in other cities (magnitude 7.2).

Employees of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology are constantly monitoring this seismic zone, trying to predict future cataclysms.

Sumatra Island, Indonesia

Indonesia is considered to be the most seismically active region in the world. In recent years, it has managed to become especially dangerous - the westernmost in the archipelago. It is located in the place of a powerful tectonic fault, the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire".

The plate that forms the bottom of the Indian Ocean "squeezes" under the Asian plate here as fast as a human fingernail grows. The accumulated tension is released from time to time in the form of tremors.

Medan is the largest city on the island and the third most populous in the country. As a result of two strong earthquakes in 2013, more than 300 local residents were seriously affected, and about 4,000 houses were damaged.

Tehran, Iran

Scientists have been predicting a catastrophic earthquake in Iran for a long time - the whole country is located in one of the most seismically active zones in the world. For this reason, the capital Tehran, where more than 8 million people live, was repeatedly planned to be moved.

The city is located on the territory of several seismic faults. Earthquakes of 7 points would destroy 90% of Tehran, whose buildings are not designed for such violence of the elements. In 2003, another Iranian city of Bam was turned into ruins by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

Today, Tehran is familiar to tourists as the largest Asian metropolis with many rich museums and majestic palaces. The climate allows you to visit it at any time of the year, which is not typical for all Iranian cities.

Chengdu, China

Chengdu is an ancient city, the center of the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan. Here they enjoy a comfortable climate, see numerous sights, and become imbued with the original culture of China. From here they get along tourist routes to the gorges of the Yangtze River, as well as to Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong and.

Recent events have reduced the number of visitors to these parts. In 2013, the province experienced a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7, when more than 2 million people were affected and about 186,000 houses were damaged.

Residents of Chengdu annually feel the effect of thousands of tremors of varying strength. In recent years, the western part of China has become especially dangerous in terms of seismic activity of the earth.

What to do in case of an earthquake

• If an earthquake caught you outside, stay away from the eaves and walls of buildings that could fall. Stay away from dams, river valleys and beaches.
• If an earthquake caught you in a hotel, open the doors so that you can safely leave the building after the first series of aftershocks.
• During an earthquake, you can not run out into the street. Many deaths are caused by falling debris from buildings.
• In case of a possible earthquake, it is worth preparing a backpack with everything you need for a few days in advance. A first aid kit, drinking water, canned food, crackers, warm clothes, and washing accessories should be at hand.
• As a rule, in countries where earthquakes are frequent, all local cellular operators have a system for alerting customers about an approaching disaster. On vacation, be careful, watch the reaction of the local population.
• After the first push, there may be a lull. Therefore, all actions after it should be thoughtful and cautious.