Published February 10, 2023, Updated 35 minutes ago
Every year, hundreds of earthquakes occur worldwide, causing significant damage to people and property. On June 24th last year, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within a minute, resulting in at least 1,450 deaths and over 4,300 injuries. The second quake, measuring magnitude 7.5, is considered the largest in Venezuela since 1900. Numerous buildings collapsed, leaving many people trapped under rubble or unable to evacuate. In February 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Turkey and Syria reportedly claimed over 55,000 lives and is regarded as the most devastating earthquake of this decade. Turkey lies in a high-risk seismic zone and has experienced five major earthquakes between 1939 and 1999. From 1900 to 2023, around 100,000 people have lost their lives in 76 recorded earthquakes across the region.
Another earthquake in Myanmar in March 2025 claimed 3,600 lives, while over 2,200 died in Haiti in 2021. In 2018, an earthquake in Indonesia killed more than 4,300 people, and over 400 lives were lost in Iran in 2017. Nepal’s powerful 2015 earthquake resulted in approximately 9,000 deaths. Last year, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting tsunami warnings in multiple countries including the United States and Japan. This earthquake ranks among the six most powerful recorded in Russia. The US Geological Survey (USGS) documented magnitude 8.8 earthquakes in Chile in 2010 and Ecuador in 1906, though Russia’s event did not cause human casualties. Since last year, thousands of tremors have been detected on the Greek island of Santorini.
Scientists maintain that predicting the exact time and place of earthquakes remains beyond our current capabilities, although potential risk zones can be identified. Dr. Stephen Hicks, an earthquake expert at Imperial College London, states, “Unfortunately, we cannot predict earthquakes precisely.” However, forecasts and probabilities can be assessed. For example, early warning signs can be observed in areas like California and Japan. To stay safe, it is crucial to prepare. Since earthquakes occur unexpectedly, experts strongly recommend maintaining readiness and having an action plan in place. Dr. Hicks advises, “If you live in an earthquake-prone area, it is wise to keep emergency supplies at home.” These supplies should include extra water, flashlights, first aid kits, and food.
The Red Cross further recommends keeping copies of essential personal documents such as cash and medication lists as part of your preparedness kit. If your building remains stable, it is best not to evacuate unnecessarily. According to the USGS, remaining where you are during an earthquake reduces injury risk. Therefore, running outside or moving to another room is discouraged during shaking. Experts advocate the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method as the cornerstone of earthquake safety. Dropping to your knees and protecting your head reduces the risk from falling objects. If no safer spot is nearby, taking cover under a table or desk until shaking stops is advised, even in older buildings. Stay away from windows and tall structures which are prone to collapse.
Only after the earthquake has ceased should you move to open areas. What should you do if you are indoors during an earthquake but outside when it strikes? Experts advise: “Stay where you are.” Outdoors, keep clear of power lines, internet cables, fuel, and gas pipes to avoid injuries. Select open spaces away from trees, telephone poles, and buildings. The Earthquake Country Alliance identifies common injuries and fatalities during earthquakes as resulting from falling or flying objects like televisions, lights, glass, and furniture. Securing heavy furniture with flexible straps is a recommended precaution. Another major post-earthquake hazard is gas leaks from ruptured pipelines. Dr. Hicks cites the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, where over 3,000 deaths occurred mostly due to gas pipeline explosions, advising everyone to stay clear of any flammable materials. He also emphasizes the importance of earthquake drills. “Some countries routinely conduct earthquake preparedness exercises where everyone practices appropriate responses. Such drills were absent in parts of Turkey affected recently because the region had not experienced an earthquake in a long time.”
