What to do in case of an earthquake: practical guide to keep safe
Although it is very complex to know when and where you can register a telluric movement, the UNGRD indicated that it is possible to know safety and care measures that can be implemented and at hand to avoid possible emergency states
According to the National Unit for Disaster Irrigation Management (UNGRD), an earthquake is the sudden release of Large amounts of energythat are represented through waves that move through the interior of the earth and that when they reach the surface it can be perceived by people, animals and even structures.
What to do in case of earthquake if you live in a rural area
In case of suffering an earthquake in a rural area, consider the following recommendations:
- Keep calm and place in a safe place, such as under a resistant table or on an inner wall, protecting its head and neck.
- Get away from windows, mirrors, heavy objects that may fall and appliances.
- If it is outdoors, look for an open area away from trees, electrical posts and buildings.
- Keep an emergency backpack with basic supplies, water, non -perishable food, flashlight and portable radio.
- Check the exits of your home in advance and define an evacuation plan, ensuring that all family members know it.
- After the earthquake, check the possible structural damage at your home and other nearby buildings before re -entered.
- Remain attentive to the replicas and indications of local authorities.
The worst earthquakes in the history of Colombia
The Popayán earthquake (1983): caused more than 300 deaths and left numerous injured and destroyed buildings. This devastating event marked a milestone in the history of the city and the country in terms of natural disasters.
The earthquake of the Coffee Axis (1999): With epicenter in Armenia, this earthquake reached a magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter scale. It caused death to more than 1,000 people, left tens of thousands of homeless and caused significant material losses in the region.
The Tumaco earthquake (1979): with a magnitude of 8.1, this earthquake was followed by a tsunami that seriously affected the Nariñense coast. Around 500 people died and important infrastructure damage were recorded.
Now you can follow us in our WhatsApp Channel and in Facebook.
The earthquake of the Saints (1995): although this earthquake of magnitude 6.8 did not cause fatalities, it did cause significant material damage to several locations in the department of Santander.
The Cúcuta earthquake (1875): registered an estimated magnitude of 7.3. This earthquake destroyed much of the city of Cúcuta and seriously affected the surrounding regions. The fatal victims are calculated in several thousand.
This is the map detailing the territories with less and greater seismic threat in the country
The National Unit for Disaster Irrigation Management indicated that it is very complex to know when and where you can register a telluric movement, but it is possible to know what the most exposed country regions are
The National Unit for Disaster Irrigation Management (UNGRD) defines an earthquake as the sudden release of high amounts of energy, that are recorded by means of waves that move through the interior of the earth and that when they reach the surface it can be perceived by people, animals and even structures.
What to do if you suffer an earthquake amid the heavy rains?
during the rainy seasons, earthquakes may have additional risks, such as landslides and floods. Next, recommendations are offered to prepare and respond to an earthquake in these conditions:
Home review and maintenance: Make sure your home is in optimal conditions to resist earthquakes, especially during the rainy season. This includes reviewing the state of the roof, drains and foundations. It also ensures that nearby earrings are stable and do not show signs of sliding.
Object assurance: Set high furniture and heavy objects to the walls to prevent them from falling during an earthquake. Check especially those that can block evacuation routes.
Preparation of an emergency plan: creates an emergency plan that considers the peculiarities of the rainy season, such as the possibility of flooding or post-sismism landslides. Includes safe evacuation routes that avoid areas prone to these risks.
Adapted emergency kit: Make sure your emergency kit includes essential elements for the rainy season, such as waterproof, water boots and sealed bags to protect important documents and electronic devices.
Identify safe areas: Within your home, identify the safest areas to protect you during an earthquake. Avoid being close to windows that can break and cause wounds. During the rainy season, it also considers additional risks when choosing these areas.
Preparation for service cuts: earthquakes, especially during rainy seasons, can cause cuts in water, electricity and gas services. Prepare supplies of drinking water and non -perishable food that are enough for several days.
Care with floods and post-sismo landslides: after an earthquake, stay alert to possible floods or landslides, which can be more likely due to water saturation on the ground. Evacua towards high areas if you observe or receive notice of these risks.
Why do you tremble so much in Colombia?
Colombia experiences frequent earthquakes due to its geographical location in an area of high seismic activity. The main reasons are:
- Tectonic plates: Colombia is located on the edge of three main tectonic plates: the South American plate, the Nazca plate and the Caribbean plate. The movement and collision of these plates generate earthquakes.
- Pacific Fire Belt: The country is part of the Pacific Fire belt, a region where about 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur due to the numerous tectonic failures.
- Geological failures: Colombia has several geological failures, such as Romeral’s failure, Bucaramanga’s failure and Algeciras failure, which release accumulated seismic energy.
- Subduction of the Nazca plate: The subduction of the Nazca plate under the South American plaque generates tensions that, when released, result in earthquakes.
This is the map detailing the territories with less and greater seismic threat in the country
The National Unit for Disaster Irrigation Management indicated that it is very complex to know when and where you can register a telluric movement, but it is possible to know what the most exposed country regions are
The National Unit for Disaster Irrigation Management (UNGRD) defines an earthquake as the sudden release of high amounts of energy, that are recorded by means of waves that move through the interior of the earth and that when they reach the surface it can be perceived by people, animals and even structures.
Thus activate Google’s seismic alert
Google has an innovative service for Android devices, offering a free seismic alert that aims to warn users about imminent earthquakes. This system uses Shakealert technology, composed of a network of 1,675 seismic sensors, capable of detecting telluric movements globally and notifying users before the shakes are perceived.
Service activation requires users to follow some specific steps within the configuration of their mobile device.
After accessing the configuration, they must look for the ‘Security and Emergency’ option and, within this, select ‘earthquake alerts’.
Now you can follow us in Facebook and in our WhatsApp Channel.
In case of not finding this route, it can be accessed through ‘location’, selecting ‘advanced’ and then ‘earthquake alerts’.
This procedure constitutes an effort on the part of Google to contribute to the prevention of fatal damage and victims in case of earthquakes. The operation of the system is based on the data analysis collected by the network of seismic sensors, which allow to determine the location and magnitude of the seismic event.
In this way, the Shakealert system sends a signal to the Android devices that have activated alert service, providing an early alert that could be crucial to take precautions and safeguard the safety of individuals in affected areas.
Related news :