EARTHQUAKES

— WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Kyrgyzstan, is situated in an earthquake zone. As such there is the possibility that a strong earthquake may occur, but it is impossible to predict exactly if, or when, one will take place. In the last century an earthquake destroyed most of the city of Almaty and in 1966 Tashkent was severely damaged by an earthquake and much of the city had to be completely rebuilt. In the early 1990"s an earthquake devastated the village of Suusamir near Bishkek.

It is very difficult to predict what conditions would be like in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, as this would depend on where and what time of day it strikes. The movement of the ground does not, in itself, usually cause injury — although it may be startling. Casualties generally result from falling objects and debris and collapsed buildings. Because they occur without warning, they can be alarming and it is important that everyone be prepared. The following is a summary of advice that we have received and, as such, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions but we make it available to you in good faith, (even if, at first glance, not all of it may appear to be relevant to a hotel guest or tourist).

Incidentally, «The Silk Road Lodge», our new hotel in Bishkek is designed to withstand an earthquake of up to point 8 on the Richter scale.

1. What is an earthquake?

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth’s surface as a result of the sudden release of stresses built up in the Earth’s crust. The study of earthquakes is called seismology.

The vibrations in an earthquake can range from being barely noticeable to catastrophically destructive — from gentle to quite violent shaking — or it could take the form of a sudden jolt followed by shaking.

Most earthquakes occur along faults (fractures or breaks) in the earth«s crust. Most earthquakes happen at sea and cause little damage. However, when severe earthquakes occur in highly populated areas they can cause great destruction and loss of life.

2. The effects of an earthquake

Earthquakes can cause great loss of life by destroying structures such as buildings, bridges, and dams, and they can also trigger devastating landslides.

Another destructive effect of earthquakes is the generation, usually by undersea tremors, of so-called tidal waves — known by their Japanese name «tsunamis» which cause great devastation in coastal regions.

Where buildings have been constructed on filled ground, the liquefaction of soils is another hazard. In the shock waves of a quake, soil used in landfill may lose virtually all its bearing strength and behave, in effect, like quicksand. Buildings resting on these materials have literally been swallowed up, as in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906.

3. Predicting earthquakes

Attempts at predicting when and where earthquakes will occur have met with some success. China, Japan, Russia, and the United States are the countries most actively supporting such research and scientists are studying earthquake activity in Kyrgyzstan. In 1975 the Chinese predicted the magnitude 7.3 quake at Haicheng, evacuating 90,000 residents only two days before the quake destroyed or damaged 90 per cent of the city’s buildings. One of the clues that led to this prediction was a chain of low-magnitude tremors, called foreshocks, that had begun about five years earlier in the area. Other potential clues being investigated by seismologists are tilting or bulging of the land surface, changes in the earth’s magnetic field, changes in the water level in wells and even in animal behaviour. A new method under study in the United States involves measuring the build-up of stress in the crust of the earth.

4. Preparations for an earthquake

Residents in an earthquake zone should keep the following items close at hand

• a torch and spare batteries. (Do NOT use matches or candles unless you are sure that there is no chance of a gas leak);
• a portable radio and spare batteries, (your best source of information when telephones are out of order);
• a first-aid kit and handbook;
• a fire extinguisher for small fires;
• warm clothes and blankets;
• personal documents — passport, credit cards and cash;
• food — a supply of non-perishable, tinned and dehydrated food such as powdered milk, juices, cereals, dried fruit and nuts (and a tin opener). Include items which do not require water for preparation;
• a supply of water and purification tablets;
• supplies of any required medicines and dietary items and spare glasses;
• tools to turn of gas and water mains.

5. Potential hazards in an earthquake

• Tall buildings which could topple;
• Hot water heaters which could pull away from pipes and rupture;
• Appliances which could move and rupture gas or electricity lines;
• Hanging plants in heavy pots;
• Heavy mirrors or picture frames especially over beds;
• Cupboards which could open during shaking;
• Breakable or heavy objects on high shelves;
• Masonry or chimneys that could crumble and fall through an unsupported roof;
• Flammable liquids that are best kept in a garage or outside.

6. «The Earthquake drill»

• Know where the «safe spots» are in each room — i. e. under supported archways, against inside walls, under heavy furniture such as desks or table — which will offer some protection against falling debris;
• During an earthquake —
  • Stay calm;
• If you are indoors: —
  • if you are in the kitchen — turn off the stove;
  • stay away from windows and hanging objects, mirrors, fireplaces and tall unsecured furniture;
  • move to one of the «safe spots» in the room;
• If you are outside —
• get into the open away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines;
• sit, or lie down, and protect your head;
• If you are in a crowded public place —
  • do not rush for the exit (everyone else will do the same);
  • move away from display units;
• If you are in a car —
  • pull over to the side of the road and stop;
  • stay in the car;
• do NOT go over or under bridges after a severe earthquake;

After an earthquake —

• give first-aid if you have suitable knowledge;
• do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury — cover them with blankets to keep them warm;
• only use the telephone in a life-and-death emergency;
• wear gloves and heavy shoes near fallen debris and glass;
• if possible, put out small fires — otherwise leave and alert neighbours/others;
• check gas, water and electricity lines for damage;
• do NOT light matches or use electric switches if there is any possibility of a gas leak;
• if there is any damage to electricity wiring — turn off the electricity at the mains;
• do NOT touch fallen or damaged electrical lines or broken appliances;
• clean up any spilled medicines or inflammable liquids;
• check sewage lines before using the toilet — plug the bath and sink drains to prevent sewage backup;
• use emergency food and water supplies — but do NOT eat anything from containers near shattered glass;
• check the walls of your home/room for cracks and damage;
• do NOT use a fireplace unless the chimney is undamaged;
• check cupboards — but open doors carefully and beware of falling objects;
• listen to the radio for information;
• do not use your car and do not go sightseeing in badly damaged areas — you will hamper the relief effort — keep the streets clear for the emergency services;
• if you were in a car during an earthquake you should NOT go over or under bridges after a severe earthquake;
• be prepared for aftershocks which may do additional damage;
• co-operate with public safety officials and be prepared to evacuate if necessary;
• if you do have to evacuate, leave a message in clear view to say where you can be found. If you leave, take a first aid kit, medicines, torch radio, batteries, valuables, food, sleeping bags/blankets and warm clothing.