On Friday, southern Peru was rocked by a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake. An earthquake of magnitude 7.2 is devastating and causes significant loss of life and property. Devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria last year caused more than $100 billion in damage. More than 45,000 people died in Turkey and more than 5,000 in Syria. In Nepal in the year 2015, an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 killed around 9 thousand people. But nothing like this happened in Peru and the country easily endured an earthquake of this magnitude.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred 8.8 kilometers from the Atiquipa district in Peru. In a post on Twitter, Peru’s president wrote that the government was monitoring the situation and assessing any potential damage. According to the Ministry of Health, a total of eight people have been injured. Who is undergoing treatment in the hospital. These people have suffered minor injuries.
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How did Peru survive the terrible earthquake?
The country of Peru is located on the ‘Ring of Fire’ of the Pacific Ocean. Earthquakes occur frequently in countries located on the ‘Ring of Fire’. Building collapse during an earthquake causes death, injury and property damage. That is why buildings in Peru are made earthquake resistant. There is no pressure on such buildings due to earthquake movement. Due to which the buildings can withstand earthquakes of such intensity.
Japan also experiences very strong earthquakes. Hence, the buildings here have also been made earthquake resistant. These are built on thick rubber blocks. Due to which they remain stable during earthquakes.
In 2015, there was a devastating earthquake in Nepal.
Nepal is considered to be the 11th most vulnerable country in the world in terms of earthquakes. An earthquake of magnitude 7.8 occurred in Nepal in 2015. About 9,000 people died due to this earthquake. 35 lakh people also became homeless. Many historic buildings in Kathmandu were destroyed by this earthquake.
How dangerous is the magnitude of an earthquake?
- Earthquake intensity is measured on the Richter scale. Earthquakes of magnitude 1.0 to 2.9 are not usually felt by people, although they are recorded on local instruments.
- Earthquakes of magnitude 3.0-3.9 are small. This does not cause any damage.
- An earthquake of magnitude 4.0-4.9 can be felt and the risk of damage is low.
- An earthquake of magnitude 5.0-5.9 can damage weak structures.
- An earthquake of magnitude 6.0-6.9 can cause moderate to heavy damage in populated areas.
- A magnitude 7.0-7.9 earthquake can prove devastating and cause serious damage.
- An earthquake of magnitude 8.0 and above is very dangerous. A very intense vibration is felt in it. Also large buildings collapse.
How safe is Delhi from earthquake point of view?
According to the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), India has four seismic zones: Zone II, III, IV and V. Areas falling within Zone V are the least prone. While the areas kept in Zone V are likely to experience strong earthquakes. Delhi is placed in Zone IV. If there is a huge earthquake in Delhi, it will not be able to withstand it. That means Delhi falls in the danger zone.