Minimization of Earthquake Damage
Mikela Sammy U62 Caribbean Studies
QUESTION: Access the measures that Caribbean countries could realistically undertake to minimize the danger posed by earthquakes.
An earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action. This happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another. The Earth's crust is made up of about a dozen plates on which the continents and oceans rest. These plates are continually shifting because the surface beneath them, the hot, soft mantle, is moving slowly like a conveyor belt, driven by heat and other forces at work in the Earth's core. The awful truth is that we simply cannot prevent earthquakes from happening, however, Caribbean countries could take certain realistic measures to minimize the dangers posed by earthquakes.
One such measure is the installation of adequate warning systems. Warnings of the onset of earthquakes can be detected by organizations and governments. This involves the use of special sensing equipment. However, this alone will not be of much use without effective communication systems in place. Warning systems should be linked to government agencies, rescue and emergency services, and of course to the public.
A second measure would be to have a unified plan of action that can be initiated immediately. Time is of the essence in the case of major disasters. Delay in support/action can result in further deaths. Local, national and international support services should know exactly what to do, and how they work together to produce a rapid, efficient and effective support system.
A third measure to reduce an earthquake’s damage would be to provide information/ educate the public as much as possible before the earthquake strikes. This can involve the use of radio and television broadcasting and newspapers. Everyone should know what precautions they need to take for the own safety and
QUESTION: Access the measures that Caribbean countries could realistically undertake to minimize the danger posed by earthquakes.
An earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action. This happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another. The Earth's crust is made up of about a dozen plates on which the continents and oceans rest. These plates are continually shifting because the surface beneath them, the hot, soft mantle, is moving slowly like a conveyor belt, driven by heat and other forces at work in the Earth's core. The awful truth is that we simply cannot prevent earthquakes from happening, however, Caribbean countries could take certain realistic measures to minimize the dangers posed by earthquakes.
One such measure is the installation of adequate warning systems. Warnings of the onset of earthquakes can be detected by organizations and governments. This involves the use of special sensing equipment. However, this alone will not be of much use without effective communication systems in place. Warning systems should be linked to government agencies, rescue and emergency services, and of course to the public.
A second measure would be to have a unified plan of action that can be initiated immediately. Time is of the essence in the case of major disasters. Delay in support/action can result in further deaths. Local, national and international support services should know exactly what to do, and how they work together to produce a rapid, efficient and effective support system.
A third measure to reduce an earthquake’s damage would be to provide information/ educate the public as much as possible before the earthquake strikes. This can involve the use of radio and television broadcasting and newspapers. Everyone should know what precautions they need to take for the own safety and