Question

'Earthquake is the most devastating natural phenomenon&rsquo;. Explain. Give examples to support your answer.

Accepted Answer

The sudden shaking or trembling of the Earth’s surface is called an earthquake. During an earthquake, the surface of Earth begins to oscillate. The sudden movement disturbs the balance of the objects lying on it and thus, they start falling, sliding or rolling down. This creates chaos and causes a lot of damage. Usually, an earthquake’s presence is felt by the tremors that it produces, in the objects present on the Earth’s surface.

It causes vibrations in buildings, offices, schools, bridges, roads etc. Unlike other natural calamities, it is impossible to predict an earthquake. This makes an earthquake more dangerous and it is considered as the most devastating natural phenomenon. The extent of damages caused by earthquakes underlines this statement.

Examples: (i) On $30$ September $1993$ , a very high ranged earthquake hit the Latur district of Maharashtra. The affected area was mainly rural. It had many non-cemented houses, which fell apart during the earthquake. More than $10, 000$ people lost their lives.

(ii) A major earthquake shattered the Bhuj district of Gujarat on $26$ January $2001$ . The quake was so severe that more than $25, 000$ people died and about $2.5$ lakhs of people were injured. More than $10$ lakhs of houses were damaged.

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