On October 12 1992, at around 3:10pm, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 hit Cairo-Egypt. The earthquake lasted for 20 seconds and claimed around 370 lives. At least 3,300 people were injured and 116 buildings were destroyed. People were left homeless and weeping on the streets. Many lost their family members too. This earthquake is recorded as the strongest near the Egyptian capital. It also caused panicked residents to trample over one another. Thus, causing a stampede. In this city of 14 million people, the authorities declared a state of emergency. The government sent out rescuers in the night to dig out survivors from the debris.
When the rocks underground suddenly breaks along a fault, the sudden release of energy causes the seismic waves to make the ground trembles. Because of the pressure that is built up, the rocks break after a while.Therefore, the earthquake occurs.
The government can build more earthquake resistant infrastructure and buildings with more stable materials to prevent them from collapsing when an earthquakes occurs. They can also build more underground shelters. The government may provide education for the people on safety precaution measures during an earthquake and perform emergency drills so that the residents will be more prepared when a real earthquake strikes. This can all reduce the amount of damage caused.
Bibliography:
http://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/13/world/earthquake-in-egypt-kills-370-and-injures-3300.html?pagewanted=1
http://www.geo.mtu.edu/UPSeis/why.html
