Sewage lines may break, and sewage my seep into water supplies. Drinking of such impure water may cause cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and other serious diseases. Loss of power, communication, and transportation after an earthquake may hamper rescue teams and ambulances, increasing deaths and injuries. In addition, businesses and government offices may lose records and supplies, slowing recovery from the disaster. The force of an earthquake depends on how much rock breaks and how far it shifts.
Powerful earthquakes can shake firm ground violently from great distances.
During minor earthquakes, the vibration may be no greater than the vibration cause by a passing truck. On average, a powerful earthquake occurs less than once every two years. At least 40 moderate earthquakes cause damage somewhere in the world each year. About 40,000 to 50,000 small earthquakes large enough to to be felt but not damaging occur annually. Since most of you will probably never have experienced an earthquake or even a drill, here is Natalie who will talk about the safety precautions and experiences, and Emine who will talk about the most recent earthquake in Turkey.