MDU- CPAS GURUGRAM

AN ASSIGNMENT ON NATURAL AND MAN MADE DISASTER

TOPIC : SHORT NOTE ON EARTH QUAKE & TSUNAMI

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY :

Dr. SUNIL DEVI GULSAN
Assistant Professor, ROLL NO. : 02mba20174

MDU-CPAS

Gurugram
Earthquake :

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground caused by two chunks of earth’s

crust sliding past one another. Although earthquakes are short-lived, usually not
lasting more than a minute, they can leave behind incredible damage.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning, but identifying potential
hazards and planning can reduce the threat of damage, injuries and loss of life.

Earthquakes can be of three types based on the focal depth:

♦ Deep:- 300 to 700 kms from the earth surface

♦ Medium:- 60 to 300 kms

♦ Shallow: less than 60 kms

Measuring Earthquakes :

Earthquakes can be described by the use of two distinctively different scales of

measurement demonstrating magnitude and intensity. Earthquake magnitude or amount
of energy released is determined by the use of a seismograph’ which is an instrument
that continuously records ground vibration.

The second type of scale, the earthquake intensity scale measures the effects of an
earthquake where it occurs. The most widely used scale of this type was developed in
1902 by Mercalli an Italian seismologist. The scale was extended and modified to suit
the modern times. It is called the Modified Mercalli Scale, which expresses the intensity
of earthquake effect on people, structure and the earth’s surface in values from I to XII

Possible risk reduction measures:

 Community preparedness: Community preparedness is vital for mitigating
earthquake impact. The most effective way to save you even in a slightest
shaking is 'DROP, COVER and HOLD'.
 Planning: The Bureau of Indian Standards has published building codes and
guidelines for safe construction of buildings against earthquakes. Before the
buildings are constructed the building plans have to be checked by the
Municipality, according to the laid down bylaws. Many existing lifeline buildings
such as hospitals, schools and fire stations may not be built with earthquake
safety measures. Their earthquake safety needs to be upgraded by retrofitting
techniques.
 Public education is educating the public on causes and characteristics of
anearthquake and preparedness measures. It can be created through
sensitization and training programme for community, architects, engineers,
builders, masons, teachers, government functionaries teachers and students.
  Engineered structures: Buildings need to be designed and constructed as per
the building by laws to withstand ground shaking. Architectural and engineering
inputs need to be put together to improve building design and construction
practices. The soil type needs to be analyzed before construction. Building
structures on soft soil should be avoided.

Before an earthquake :

 Review your family preparedness plan.

 Establish a family communications plan.
 Assemble an earthquake kit.
 Prepare your home:

 Store breakable items in low, closed cabinets, and fasten shelves

securely to walls.
 Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds and
couches.
 Secure and brace overhead light fixtures.
 Repair any deep cracks in walls, ceilings and foundations.
 Store pesticides and flammable products in closed cabinets and on
bottom shelves.
 Repair defective electrical wiring, water or gas connections.
 Identify safe places in each room of the house:
 Under sturdy furniture, such as a heavy table or desk.
 Against an inside wall or under a door frame.
 Away from glass or where heavy furniture could fall over.
 Locate safe places outdoors:
 In the open, away from buildings, retaining walls, trees, overpasses,
and power or telephone lines.

During an earthquake :

 1. If inside:

 Drop down onto your hands and knees.

 Take cover in a safe place and hold on.
 If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a
pillow.
 If you are in the kitchen, quickly try to turn off the stove, if possible.
 Stay away from pictures, windows, light fixtures or anything that could
fall and break.
 2. If outdoors:
 Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, poles and utility
wires.
 Get down low and stay there until the shaking stops.
 3. If in a moving vehicle:
  Stop quickly, and stay in the vehicle.
 Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, utility wires and
overpasses.
 Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution, avoiding bridges
or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.
 If you are in a mountainous area, keep in mind the possibility of landslides
and debris flows .
 Similarly, if you are on the coast, be aware that tsunamis are often associated
with earthquakes .

After an earthquake :

 Be prepared for aftershocks. Although smaller than the main shock,

aftershocks can cause additional damage and bring weakened structures
down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks or even months
after the quake.
 Listen to a radio or TV for updated information.
 When the shaking stops, look around. If there is a clear path out, leave the
building and head for an open area.
 Avoid making phone calls except in serious emergencies.
 Help injured or trapped people. Do not move seriously injured people unless
they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. Call for help.
 Stay out of damaged homes, and follow the directions of emergency officials.
 Inspect your home:

 Check for damage to the walls, roof, foundation, electrical

 system and water lines.
 Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or other flammable
 liquids immediately.
 Leave the house if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
 Notify your insurance company if your home is damaged.
 Do not return home until officials declare it is safe. If the house presents
major structural damages or is partially destroyed, evacuate.

THANKS
Tsunami :

A tsunami is a giant wave or series of waves caused by a huge earthquake or volcanic

eruption under the ocean. These occur from movement in the Earth's crust.

The earthquake causes a large amount of water to be displaced very quickly. When this

happens far out at sea, tsunami waves don't really increase in height. As they travel
inland, the speed and height of the waves increases.

This can cause a huge amount of damage when the wave of water reaches the
shoreline. You might have heard about some tsunamis in the news.

A number of things happen when a tsunami hits land. A tsunami’s trough (the lowest
point under its crest) usually reaches the shore first. When it does reach land, it sucks
the coastal water towards the sea, exposing sea floors in the process as part of a
vacuum effect.

What are tsunami safety rules?

Approaching tsunamis are sometimes predicted by a sudden rise or fall of coastal
waters and are usually accompanied by a loud roar that sounds like a train or aircraft. If
you notice these, move inland to high ground straight away. Do not get distracted by the
movement of the water, since it can move much faster than you can.

Stay out of danger until an "ALL CLEAR" notice is issued by the emergency services.

Homes and other buildings located in low-lying coastal areas are not safe. Do NOT stay
in such buildings if there is a tsunami warning.

The upper floors of high, multi-story, reinforced concrete hotels can provide safety if
there is no time to quickly move inland or to higher ground.

Never go down to the beach to watch for a tsunami! A small tsunami at one beach can
be a giant a few miles away.

Stay tuned to your local radio or television stations during a tsunami emergency.

 Predictability:
There are two distinct types of tsunami warning: a) International tsunami warning
systems and b) Regional warning systems.

a) International Tsunami Warning Systems: Shortly after the Hilo

Tsunami (1946), the Pacific Tsunami Warning System (PTWS) was
developed with its operational center at the Pacific Tsunami
Warning Center (PTWC) near Honolulu, Hawaii. The PTWC is able
to alert countries several hours before the tsunami strikes. The
warning includes predicted arrival time at selected coastal
communities where the tsunami could travel in few hours. A
tsunami watch is issued with subsequent arrival time to other
geographic areas.
b) Regional Warning Systems usually use seismic data about
nearby earthquakes to determine if there is a possible local threat
of a tsunami. Such systems are capable enough to provide
warnings to the general public in less than 15 minutes

 Possible risk reduction measures:

a)Site Planning and Land Management Within : the broader framework of a

comprehensive plan, site planning determines the location, configuration, and
density of development on particular sites and is, therefore, an important tool in
reducing tsunami risk. The designation and zoning of tsunami hazard areas for
such open-space uses as agriculture, parks and recreation, or natural hazard
areas is recommended as the first land use planning strategy. This strategy is
designed to keep development at a minimum in hazard areas. In areas where it
is not feasible to restrict land to open-space uses, other land use planning
measures can be used. These include strategically controlling the type of
development and uses allowed in hazard areas, and avoiding high-value and
highoccupancy uses to the greatest degree possible.

b) Engineering structures – Most of the habitation of the fishing community is

seen in the coastal areas. The houses constructed by them are mainly of light
weight materials without any engineering inputs. Therefore there is an urgent
need to educate the community about the good construction practices that they
should adopt such as:
• Site selection – Avoid building or living in buildings within several hundred feet
of the coastline as these areas are more likely to experience damage from
tsunamis.
• Construct the structure on a higher ground level with respect to mean sea
level.
• Elevate coastal homes: Most tsunami waves are less than 3 meters in height.
Elevating house will help reduce damage to property from most tsunamis.
• Construction of water breakers to reduce the velocity of waves.
• Use of water and corrosion resistant materials for construction.
• Construction of community halls at higher locations, which can act as shelters
at the time of a disaster.

c) Flood management - Flooding will result from a tsunami. Tsunami waves will
flood the coastal areas. Flood mitigation measures could be incorporated.