Each year, thousands of earthquakes are recorded. Most of them are minor. Even if all regions can be touched, the west is the region most at risk of being struck by an important earthquake. During the last century, at least nine earthquakes reaching a magnitude above 7 on the Richter scale have been recorded. Some of them are have caused important damages. Even an earthquake of a magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale could cause important damages in urban areas. In fact, of all natural disasters that could strike the country, the most destructive would be a large earthquake that would hit on one of the big cities.

Earthquakes : myths and realities

• The earth’s crust is formed from numerous large and small segments called tectonic plates. These plates, constantly in slow movement, lead to small tremors and earthquakes.
• Shallow crevasses can form during earthquakes following landslides or other types of ground failures.
• Buildings don’t necessarily collapse either.
• It is impossible to predict earthquakes.

What to expect during an earthquake

Earthquakes of small or medium magnitudes

• They last only a few seconds and do not involve any risk.
• It is possible that ceiling lights may move and that some objects may be lightly shaken.
• If you are outside, it is possible that you feel a light trembling below your feet.
• If you are near the source of the earthquake, you could hear a strong detonation followed by tremors.

Earthquakes of large magnitudes

• They can last several minutes and is considered a natural disaster if their epicentre is near a largely populated area or if their magnitude is high enough for the region.
• The ground or the floor will move, maybe in a violent fashion.
• No matter if you are far or near the epicentre, you will probably feel a tremor followed by a rotating movement, similar as when you are in the sea.
• If you are far from the epicentre, it is possible that you see buildings oscillate or that you hear a roaring sound.
• You could be feeling dizzy and unable to walk during the earthquake.
• If you live in a high building, you will feel more oscillations and less trembling than in a small building with one floor. On lower floors, the trembling will be quicker (like in residential homes). On upper floors, the trembling will be slower, but the building will oscillate more.
• Furniture and objects that aren’t in a fixed position could fall over or slide on the floor.
• Ceiling lights and ceiling panels could fall.
• Windows could break.
• Fire alarms and sprinkler systems could go off.
• There could be power outages.