The most common kinds of loss that are caused by an earthquake (depending on the severity) are: Damage to structures Causing partial or total collapse, damage to road and rail network, damage to utility carriers etc. Sea activity Water level in the sea could rise suddenly, causing very high waves, several meters in height, which…
Usually, areas around fault-lines are more prone to earthquakes. Some of the major fault lines are around: 1. Italy (hit in 1980; magnitude: 7.2) 2. Hayward, San Francisco in California (hit in 1906 at San Francisco; magnitude: 7.8 and again in 1989 at Loma Preita; magnitude: 6.9) 3. Himalayan region (hit several times since 1999, at various places spanning…
Some of the earthquakes in recent times have been (not in any particular order): 1. El Salvador; In 2001; Magnitude: 7.7 2. S. Peru; In 2001; Magnitude 7.9 3. Algeria; In 2003; Magnitude 6.8 4. Indonesia: In 2004; Magnitude 9.0 5. India; In 2001; Magnitude 8.1 6. China – Sichuan Province; In May 2008; Magnitued 8.1; More than 68,000 dead, and, 3,50,000 injured
The impact of an earthquake (at any location) is characterized by two primary characteristics: Intensity This measures the magnitude of the event. Higher is the value, the bigger is the magnitude. The most common scale used for measuring an earthquake is Richter Scale. It should be understood that Richter scale is a logarithmic scale. What this…
Earthquakes refer to shaking of earth. There is continuous activity going on below the surface of the earth. There are several large plates (size of continents) below the surface of the earth, which move (at a very slow speed). As a part of this movement, sometimes, they collide against each other. And, after the collision,…
If you wish to be actively involved in a disaster area, it is important that you do this through an established group, rather than going it alone. Numerous individuals and small organisations getting involved can be more problematic than supportive. Governments and their administrations and major aid agencies already working to capacity to bring relief…
You do not have to move from home to assist those affected by disasters. Volunteering at the local office of relief organisations may provide them with much needed support. You may be able to help with campaigning or awareness-raising work and disaster preparedness activities. Note that organisations are unlikely to want new volunteers at the…
Donation of money to established non-governmental agencies is the most efficient way of responding to disasters. Financial contributions allow professional relief organisations to purchase exactly what is most urgently needed and pay for the transportation necessary to distribute these supplies. The supplies can often be purchased locally, reducing transport and storage costs, stimulating local economies,…
Physical therapists can contribute to disaster planning in their own area. Regional and local governments, cities and individual businesses and organisations all plan for emergency situations. Physical therapists should ask themselves: ● Is there a disaster management plan for my practice environment and region? ● Can I contribute to planning for emergencies in my place of practice?…
Physical therapists can contribute to disaster management in many ways, not only before, but also during and after a disaster. They can: ● Contribute to policy development and local disaster planning; ● Work with their member organisation to support the organisation’s disaster management planning; ● Learn about risks and prevention strategies and prepare to react to disasters in…