"Massive earthquake hits Delhi-NCR and surrounding regions, causes destruction and fear"

Delhi-NCR was hit by a massive earthquake last night.

Experts told that the earthquake was huge and it’s epicentre was near Kabul, Afghanistan. Affected countries includes – China, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.

Indian capital- Delhi, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon hit hard by the earthquake nearly 22:20(10:20pm) that all things like fans on the roof and photographs on the walls started shaking. People got in fear and ran out of the house.

The magnitude of the earthquake was calculated to 7.7,enough for a destruction if persists for several minutes.

What is an Earthquake?

An earthquake is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the Earth’s surface experiences a sudden release of energy, resulting in shaking and vibration. It is caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which are large pieces of the Earth’s crust that float on the molten rock layer beneath.

When two tectonic plates rub against each other, they can get stuck due to friction. As the plates continue to move, the energy builds up and causes the plates to suddenly slip or break free. This sudden movement produces seismic waves, which cause the ground to shake and can also result in other effects such as landslides, tsunamis, and aftershocks.

Earthquakes can vary in intensity and duration, and their effects can range from mild tremors to catastrophic destruction. The severity of an earthquake is measured using a seismometer, which records the vibrations and produces a measurement known as the magnitude. The higher the magnitude, the more powerful the earthquake.

What is the Focus and the Epicentre?

The focus and epicentre are two important concepts related to earthquakes.

The focus, also known as the hypocentre, is the point underground where an earthquake originates. It is the location where the tectonic plates first rupture or slip, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves. The focus can be located at varying depths beneath the Earth’s surface, ranging from a few kilometres to hundreds of kilometres.

The epicentre, on the other hand, is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus where the seismic waves are first detected. It is the point where the earthquake is felt the strongest and where the most damage is likely to occur. The epicentre is usually determined using data from seismometers, which record the arrival time of seismic waves at different locations on the Earth’s surface.

It Is important to note that the epicentre and focus are not necessarily the same point, as the seismic waves can travel through the Earth’s interior and arrive at different points on the surface at different times. However, the epicentre is a useful reference point for determining the location and magnitude of an earthquake. 

7 Preventions to be taken for earthquake

Earthquakes are unpredictable and can cause significant damage to life and property. However, there are some preventive measures that you can take to reduce the risk of injury or damage during an earthquake. Here are some important precautions to consider:

1. Secure your belongings: Secure heavy furniture, such as bookcases, dressers, and cabinets to the walls or the floor to prevent them from falling and causing injury. Store breakable items, such as glassware and china, in low, secure cabinets with latches.

2. Identify safe spots: Identify safe spots in each room of your home, such as under sturdy tables or desks, and practice dropping, covering, and holding on to these spots during drills.

3. Have an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit that includes food, water, a first aid kit, flashlights, and other essential items that can sustain you and your family for at least three days.

4. Know your evacuation plan: Identify the quickest and safest evacuation route from your home, workplace, or school to a safe location. Make sure everyone in your family knows the plan and practice it regularly.

5. Keep gas and electricity off: Know how to turn off the gas and electricity in your home, and make sure everyone in your family knows how to do it. Turning off these utilities can help prevent fires and explosions.

6. Check for structural integrity: Have a professional check the structural integrity of your home or building to ensure it meets earthquake safety standards.

7. Stay informed: Stay informed about earthquakes in your area through news and weather alerts. Follow instructions from emergency personnel and authorities, and don’t return to your home until it has been deemed safe.

By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risks associated with earthquakes and protect yourself and your loved ones.

7 things to do in earthquake situation

During an earthquake, it is important to stay calm and take immediate action to protect yourself and those around you. Here are some steps to take during an earthquake:

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: When you feel the shaking, drop down to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hold on to a sturdy piece of furniture or structure. If there is no furniture nearby, crawl to an interior wall or corner away from windows, mirrors, and heavy objects.

2. Stay inside: Do not try to run outside or to another room during an earthquake. You are more likely to get injured from falling debris, broken glass, and other hazards.

3. Protect your head: If you are unable to find a sturdy piece of furniture or structure to hold on to, protect your head and neck with your arms, and curl into a ball.

4. Stay away from hazards: Move away from windows, mirrors, and heavy objects that could fall or break. If you are in a kitchen, move away from appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, which could tip over.

5. Wait for the shaking to stop: Wait until the shaking has stopped before you try to stand up or move around.

6. Check for injuries: Check yourself and those around you for injuries. If you or someone else is injured, seek medical attention immediately.

7. Evacuate if necessary: If you are in a building with multiple floors, and there is significant damage or you are told to evacuate, use the stairs to exit the building.

Remember, every earthquake is different, and the level of damage can vary. Following these steps can help minimize the risk of injury and increase your chances of staying safe during an earthquake.