The science of earthquakes is based on the structure of the earth. An earthquake occurs when the edge’s stress overcomes friction, releasing energy in waves. Once the earthquake passes, the threat does not end. The earth’s movement can cause aftershocks, landslides, fires, tsunamis, and other natural disasters. A powerful earthquake in the northern Philippines recently killed five people and injured more than 130. Many people were displaced, and the government started rescue operations to save lives. Experiencing an earthquake might be very frightening, depending on its intensity.
For this reason, Real Research, an online survey app, launched a survey on what to do during an earthquake. This survey asks about the primary preventive measures respondents take in such situations. It also asks questions about what actions should be taken after the earthquake.
Highlights:
- 59.98% have experienced an earthquake
- 41.33% advised keeping a first aid box ready before the occurrence of an earthquake
- 42.63% believe workshops on earthquakes and tsunamis would be highly effective in increasing awareness and ensuring readiness
Respondents’ Experiences About Earthquakes
The survey on what to do during an Earthquake asks respondents if they have experienced an earthquake. In response, 59.98% replied yes, they have, and 20.48% said no, but someone they knew has experienced it. Meanwhile, 19.54% replied no, neither they nor anyone they know had experienced earthquakes.
Then, the survey asks respondents if the country they reside in is prone to earthquakes. In reply, 47.85% say yes, highly prone to earthquakes. Similarly, 27.64% say yes, moderately prone. Furthermore, 24.51% replied no, it’s safe from tremors.
Next, the survey asks about respondents’ awareness of the recent earthquake in the Philippines. 51.79% said yes, they were well aware of details concerning the incident. 27.50%, on the other hand, were also aware but didn’t know any details. In comparison, 20.71% of respondents were unaware of the earthquake in the Philippines.
What Measures Should Be Taken During an Earthquake
Accordingly, the survey asks, ‘what measures should be taken before an earthquake?’ All 41.33% advised keeping a first aid box ready. Similarly, 18% said ‘compile an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food water, first aid supplies, blankets, etc.’ Further, 11.67% suggest discussing and practicing earthquake safety plans in schools or workplaces. Additionally, 7.95% recommended learning how to power cut and turn off the electric supply, and 8.24% of responses urged to remove heavy objects from shelves.
Next, the survey asks ‘what measures should be taken during an earthquake, if indoors?’ The responses suggest to ‘stay calm’ (40.43%), ‘stand in the doorway’ (9.11%), and ‘help evacuate elderly and children and then go outside’ (7.83%).
Other responses said, ‘stand against a wall’ (7.77%), ‘go outside’ (7.76%), and ‘crawl and hide under heavy furniture’ (7.62%).
Likewise, the survey asks ‘what measures should be taken during an earthquake, if outdoors?’ Some responses suggested staying calm (43.98%), others suggest staying away from electrical lines, and trees (12.37%), and remaining steady outside until tremors subside (11%). In contrast, 8% shared that ‘if on shore, get to a high point immediately, due to risks of Tsunami’.
Respondents’ Verdict on What To Do After an Earthquake
Likewise, the survey asks respondents about what to do after an earthquake. Most respondents (39.15%) say to be prepared for aftershocks, and 10.78% suggest that in case of extensive damage, to report to responsible authorities in their state. While 9.82% said to turn on the news for updates, others (7.81%) replied to check for injuries for themselves and others.
Finally, the survey asked how effectively workshops on earthquakes and tsunamis help increase awareness and ensure readiness. Majorly, 42.63% said it would be highly effective, whereas 22.41% remained neutral. Other 17% replied it would be somewhat effective, and 9.2% think it will be ‘somewhat ineffective. Lastly, 8.75% think it would be highly ineffective.
Methodology | |
Survey Title | Survey on What To Do During an Earthquake |
Duration | August 05 – August 12, 2022 |
Number of Participants | 30,000 |
Demographics | Males and females, aged 21 to 99 |
Participating Countries | Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia,… Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, China (Hong Kong) China (Macao), China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greanada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Maluritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar [Burma], Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe. |
RR Author
Real Research News is the media platform that presents insights and studies of wide-range of topics. It focuses on insights gathered from its survey app.