Impact of earthquakes – Indonesia is a country that is often hit by natural disasters, especially earthquakes. In fact, some areas in Indonesia are very vulnerable to earthquakes. Earthquakes with large enough shocks can cause material losses, and can even cause fatalities.
Then, what exactly is meant by an earthquake? You can find the answer in this article. In fact, this article does not only discuss the meaning of earthquakes, but also discusses the types, impacts of earthquakes, and how to deal with earthquakes.
Definition of Earthquake
An earthquake is a vibration or something that occurs on the surface of the earth that is caused by a sudden release of energy from within to create seismic waves. Earthquakes themselves are usually caused by the movement of the Earth’s crust or the earth’s plates.
An earthquake centered on the ocean floor will also cause a tsunami. The frequency of an area, refers to the type and size of earthquakes experienced in several time periods. Large earthquake shocks can also cause landslides, buildings collapse or crack. The earthquake itself is measured using a seismometer. With this tool, the strength of earthquake shocks can be measured.
Meanwhile, the Richter Scale is a scale reported by the national seismological observatory which is measured using the logarithm (base 10) of the maximum amplitude and is measured in micrometers. The larger the number on the Richter scale, the more severe the damage caused by the earthquake.
For example, the damage caused by an earthquake of 3 on the Richter scale is almost invisible. Meanwhile, damage of 7 on the Richter scale has considerable damage or can even cause casualties.
According to history. historic largest earthquake with a magnitude of over 9 and that earthquake occurred in Japan. The big earthquake occurred in 2011.
Earthquake Type
Types of earthquakes can be distinguished based on their causes, including:
Tectonic Earthquakes
Tectonic earthquakes are earthquakes caused by tectonic activity or due to sudden shifts in tectonic plates which have strengths from very small to very large.
This earthquake also caused a lot of damage or natural disasters on Earth, strong earthquake vibrations can also spread to all parts of the Earth. This tectonic earthquake itself is caused by the release of energy that occurs due to a shift in the tectonic plates like a pulled rubber band that is suddenly released.
Impact Earthquake
Impact earthquakes are earthquakes caused by the impact of the earth’s surface. In this case, the collision in question is in the form of a meteor or asteroid impact that falls to Earth, this type of earthquake itself is rare.
Earthquake Collapse
Collapse earthquakes usually occur in limestone areas or in mining areas, these earthquakes are also quite rare and local in nature.
Artificial Earthquakes
Man-made earthquakes are earthquakes caused by human activities, such as dynamite, nuclear or hammer explosions hitting the surface of the earth.
Volcanic Earthquake
Volcanic earthquakes (on volcanoes) are earthquakes that occur due to magma activity, and usually occur before a volcano erupts. If the activity is higher, it will cause an explosion to cause an earthquake.
These earthquakes are usually only felt around volcanoes. Based on the depth of the earthquake there is a hypocenter which is more than 300 km below the earth’s surface (or in the earth’s crust).
Medium Earthquake
A moderate earthquake is an earthquake whose hypocenter is between 60 km and 300 km below the earth’s surface. These medium-sized earthquakes generally cause light damage and the vibrations are more pronounced.
Shallow Earthquake
Shallow earthquakes are earthquakes where the hypocenter is less than 60 km from the earth’s surface. This earthquake also causes great damage, or can even cause casualties.
Types of Earthquake Waves
Earthquake wave types are divided into two, namely primary wave types and secondary wave types.
Primary Wave
Primary waves or longitudinal waves are waves or vibrations that propagate in the earth’s body with speeds between 7-14 km/second. This vibration itself comes from the hypocenter.
Secondary Wave
Secondary waves or transverse waves are waves or vibrations that propagate, like primary waves, with reduced speeds, namely 4–7 km/sec. However, what needs to be remembered is that these secondary waves themselves cannot propagate through the liquid layer.
Impact of the Earthquake
Anyone can experience the effects of an earthquake, with different severe effects depending on how big or how small the earthquake vibrations are. After causing many losses, both physically and morally, trauma and feelings of unrest, the earthquake also had other impacts, including:
1. Physical Impact
The first and most certain result of an earthquake is feeling the physical impact. So many buildings cracked, collapsed, and were destroyed, especially in areas close to the epicenter. In addition to attacking buildings, the impact of earthquakes can also cause cracks in roads or ground that were previously attached to each other.
2. Social Impact
The occurrence of an earthquake can have a social impact on society. In this case, the impact of the earthquake is in the form of social life, such as poverty, hunger, and sick people, either from illness or injuries caused by the collapse.
In addition, large-scale earthquakes will also disrupt the economic system and political system. Therefore, if an earthquake occurs, it is usually very difficult for the economy in an area to grow. This is because the infrastructure in the area affected by the earthquake has been destroyed, so it must be renovated first.
3. Causing Casualties
The occurrence of earthquakes can be said to be of uncertain magnitude, some were so large that they knocked down several houses and some were just passing by, so they didn’t cause any damage. Not only damage to homes, but the impact of other earthquakes can cause casualties. If there have been fatalities, then surely there will be deep sorrow for the families left behind.
4. Interrupted Communication Network
Currently, to communicate must be done using the internet. However, the internet signal will easily be lost if an earthquake occurs in that area. The impact of this earthquake can make it difficult for someone to communicate, especially with distant relatives.
5. Loss of Property
When a disaster occurs, it is sometimes difficult to save the property in the house, so inevitably you have to give up the loss of the property you already have. Likewise, earthquake natural disasters can have an impact on a person or family member in the form of loss of property.
6. Damage to the Environment
Another impact of an earthquake is that it can give a bad value on environmental damage. Ground vibrations can cause an earthquake which will cause environmental damage, such as soil erosion and groundwater contamination. In addition, earthquakes that occur around the coast and oceans, which can damage the function of coral reef ecosystems.
7. Disease Outbreak
Another impact of the earthquake is disease outbreaks that can occur because the surrounding environment is still very dirty. In addition, this disease can also arise due to damaged water channels, so that sanitation becomes poor and it is difficult to get clean water.
In addition, the occurrence of an earthquake can result in injuries and illnesses that arise because the cleanliness of the evacuation sites is not maintained properly. The diseases that emerged from the impact of the earthquake, such as dengue fever, diarrhea, flu, and shortness of breath.
How to Overcome Earthquakes
Here are some ways to cope when an earthquake occurs.
- Build a house with a strong foundation by consulting experts, so that it is sturdy and safe from earthquake shocks.
- Place the furniture in the right way, so it’s not dangerous when you try to escape from the house.
- Also prepare a first aid kit, flashlight, radio and spare battery needs, as well as earthquake-resistant communication tools if you have them. Also display important numbers at home and at work in case of emergency, such as hospitals and fire departments.
Earthquake Evacuation Route
In addition, the way to deal with earthquakes can also be through evacuation routes that already exist somewhere. Following are the evacuation routes that you need to know when an earthquake occurs.
When You’re at the Mall
When you experience an earthquake in a shopping center or cinema or at the bottom of a mall, avoid panic. Try to stay calm to be able to follow all instructions from employees or security guards who will direct you to the evacuation route.
When on the Mountain or the Beach
When you are on duty or traveling in the open, be careful with areas that are prone to landslides due to earthquakes. It would be better, stay in a safe place, such as in an open space.
That way, you can immediately save yourself as soon as possible when an earthquake occurs. For example, if you feel vibrations and signs of a tsunami starting to look strange, hurry up and evacuate to high ground.
When In The Room
How to deal with earthquakes when indoors, both in houses and buildings, try to stay calm and don’t panic. Move on all fours, because walking on two legs will definitely be difficult to control balance.
Then, protect your head with soft objects, such as pillows or other objects. Stay away from hard objects that are prone to falling and are dangerous, such as glass windows, cupboards and bookshelves. Next, hide under the table, and avoid the ceiling if it is weak or easily collapses, as well as other hanging objects.
When Outdoors
How to deal with an earthquake while outdoors by staying away from tall buildings, walls, power lines, and sheer cliffs, poles, billboards, trees, and various possibilities for sudden collapse. Try to get to an open place in a large yard or field.
When in Vehicle
How to deal with an earthquake when you are driving, be it a motorbike or a car, try to stay calm so you can think clearly and not feel panicked. It would be nice, avoid stopping under or over the pedestrian bridge and immediately get out into an open place.
When in a Public Room
When an earthquake occurs in a public room with lots of people. Try to protect your head by using a soft object, then taking cover under a table.
When on the elevator
When an earthquake strikes, you should choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator. On the other hand, if you are in the elevator and are stuck, immediately contact the building manager using the interphone near the elevator button. Then, immediately exit when the elevator opens.
When on the Train
How to deal with an earthquake while on the train, try to hold on tightly to the pole so you don’t fall if the train stops suddenly. Be calm and follow the explanation from the officer or station, so that there is no misinformation that can cause panic.
Related Books
Earthquake, Collection of Science and Technology Articles from Tempo Magazine
This ebook compiles a number of articles in the ìScience and Technologyî rubric of Tempo magazine from the 1981 to 2009 editions, particularly the results of research, both conducted by foreign researchers and Indonesian experts, regarding earthquakes. Some articles contain about the causes of earthquakes, research on rocks in earthquake-prone areas, signs that usually occur before an earthquake, and a number of articles about earthquake-resistant houses.
The last question has been done for a long time. Even in Indonesia, more than 30 years ago experiments on earthquake-resistant buildings were carried out in collaboration with the Directorate of Investigation of Building Problems with the Japanese Ministry of Building Construction. But as said Dr. Ir. Fred Hehuwat, a geologist from the Geotechnology Research Institute-Indonesian Institute of Sciences, “We don’t understand the importance of earthquake-resistant buildings.
That’s why, when a series of earthquakes rocked this beloved country, we published this ebook . Apart from being an effort to document earthquake events and research that occurred in the past, the publication of this ebook is intended as an effort to “remind” that there are many important and urgent things to do regarding earthquakes, including earthquake-resistant houses/buildings – which are often forgotten.
Earthquake Resistant Reinforced Concrete Structures
This book, intended for anyone who is involved in structural planning, discusses the calculation of reinforced building structures according to the regulations SNI-1726-2012, SNI-03-2847-2013, and SNI-03-1727-2013. This book is not an SAP2000 module book, but a practical guide in planning reinforced concrete building structures with the help of the SAP2000 program. Therefore, readers can use this book as a reference for the steps in structural planning.
The author assumes that the reader’s knowledge of engineering mechanics and the ability to operate a computer is already good, so it is not explained in detail. Structural design steps starting from the initial stages of determining the estimated dimensions of structural components, structural modeling, to the structural design analysis steps are explained in detail and systematically with delivery that is easily understood and understood by students and beginners in the field of structural design. It also describes several steps for checking the building model that was made prior to analysis so as to avoid errors in modeling.
Principles of Earthquake Resistant Architectural Design
This book contains a thorough fundamental understanding of architecture and its relation to earthquakes. There are three main reasons why this book is indispensable for architects and related building disciplines.
First, earthquake victims are generally not the result of the earthquake itself, but the result of building failures. Second, building failures due to earthquakes in general are not solely the result of the mistakes of civil contractors, but are mostly caused by design errors which mostly result from the work of architects. Third, Indonesia’s location which is surrounded by the ring of fire has required every actor in the building to understand the basic principles of earthquake safe buildings.
This book contains a discussion of how building designs should be prepared against potential earthquakes. Accompanied by clear illustrations and examples and equipped with a method for evaluating the vulnerability of buildings to earthquakes. This book can be used as a basic guideline for earthquake resistant building design in Indonesia, especially for medium and simple buildings which constitute the largest population of buildings in this country.
Thus the discussion about the impact of the earthquake . From the discussion above, it can be said that earthquakes can have an impact on oneself, others, and also the environment. Even an earthquake can make it difficult for the economy to experience growth.
If you want to find books related to earthquakes, then you can look for them at sinaumedia.com . sinaumedia always provides the best products, so you have #MoreWithReading information. Hope it’s useful!
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