Earthquake management strategies Flashcards
Seismic zoning
Seismic zoning is the process of dividing a region into different seismic hazard zones, based on the expected level of shaking and the level of risk to human lives and structures. This helps in reducing the impact of earthquakes by ensuring that building codes and regulations are in place, in order to minimize the risk of damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Building codes and regulations
Building codes and regulations ensure that new buildings are constructed in a way that reduces the risk of damage and collapse during earthquakes. The regulations may include requirements for earthquake-resistant structures, such as the use of reinforced concrete, steel frames, and seismic joints.
Retrofitting of buildings
Retrofitting of existing buildings involves making structural changes to buildings in order to increase their seismic resistance. This can involve adding reinforcements, such as seismic joints, to the buildings or improving the connections between the walls and the foundation
Early warning systems
Early warning systems provide warnings to people in affected areas in advance of the arrival of seismic waves, giving them time to evacuate or take protective measures. This helps reduce the impact of earthquakes by giving people more time to prepare.
Public education and awareness
Public education and awareness campaigns help to educate people about the dangers of earthquakes and how to prepare for and respond to them. This includes training in emergency procedures and evacuation plans.
Emergency preparedness plans
Emergency preparedness plans are a set of procedures and protocols that help organizations, communities and governments prepare for and respond to earthquakes. This includes the development of evacuation plans, the identification of emergency shelters, and the preparation of emergency supplies.
Disaster response planning
Disaster response planning involves preparing for the immediate aftermath of an earthquake. This includes the deployment of emergency response teams, the provision of medical assistance, and the restoration of essential services such as water, electricity, and communication.
Infrastructure upgrades
Infrastructure upgrades involve the strengthening and improvement of critical infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, and water and sewage systems, in order to increase their ability to withstand earthquakes.
Land use planning
Land use planning involves the control and management of land use in areas prone to earthquakes. This can include the restriction of building construction in areas of high seismic hazard, and the development of green spaces and parks to absorb the energy of earthquakes.
Land subsidence control
Land subsidence control involves the monitoring and management of land subsidence, which can increase the risk of earthquakes. This can include the implementation of measures such as the recharge of aquifers, the removal of groundwater, and the use of geotechnical techniques to stabilize the soil.
Reinforcement of slopes
Reinforcement of slopes involves the strengthening and stabilizing of slopes in areas prone to earthquakes, in order to reduce the risk of landslides and rockfall.
Insurance
Insurance helps to reduce the impact of earthquakes by providing financial compensation for losses, including damage to buildings and infrastructure, and personal injuries.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance can help reduce the impact of earthquakes by providing funding for the reconstruction and repair of damaged buildings and infrastructure.
Community-based programs
Community-based programs can help to reduce the impact of earthquakes by empowering communities to prepare for and respond to earthquakes. This can include the development of community-based early warning systems and evacuation plans.
