What are the Effects of an Earthquake
Earthquake Hazards
In many instances, earthquakes of high magnitude result in widespread damage to human life and property due to various agents of destruction. These agents of destruction are called earthquake hazards. An earthquake hazard may be defined as any event or process associated with an earthquake that may adversely affect people or property. Earthquake hazards include the following:
- Ground failure due to liquefaction (i.e., water-saturated sand or soil temporarily losing strength and acting as a fluid.)
- Damage to buildings, roads, dams, bridges, etc.
- Deformation of the ground surface
- Fires resulting from breaking of the electrical power or gas lines
- Occurrence of tsunamis (due to large earthquakes under oceans)
- Occurrence of landslides (in hilly areas)