When an earthquake occurs, what actions should one take and which should one avoid? Understand what to do and how to keep oneself safe in these circumstances.
Early on the 26th of August 2024, Portugal was alerted to an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3, which was felt around 5:11 a.m. in various parts of the mainland, Spain, Gibraltar, and Morocco. The epicentre of the earthquake was 60 km west of Sines, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
Although there have been no reports of casualties or structural damage from the Lisbon earthquake to date, events of this like highlight the need for increased vigilance as scientists anticipate that additional earthquakes may routinely occur in Portugal.
How should one respond to an earthquake?
While there's no need to panic, it's a good idea to stay vigilant and ready to go in case of an earthquake, which always catches people off guard. How would one respond, though, to an earthquake?
Remain composed: Despite the complexity of the situation, you should remain composed, particularly if you are assisting youngsters and the elderly in self-defence. In an emergency, you should always be there to guide them; if they live with you, make sure their bedroom doors are unlocked to allow for easy entry and, if needed, evacuation;
Seek shelter: In the event of an earthquake, go below a resistant beam, which can shield you from falling objects and collapses, or through a door set into your home's structural walls, which are the thickest. The three actions of "duck, protect, and wait" have an impact;
Find shelter: If there isn't a secure building in the area, you should seek shelter beneath a robust wooden table. Stay away from windows, mirrors, heavy furniture, lamps and loose things as they could break or fall;
Get away: If you're in a car, get away from beaches, shaky slopes, and bridges as soon as you can since they could collapse or be struck by a tsunami. Parking the car till the earthquake passes might be a safer option. Additionally, avoid walls, chimneys, and balconies;
Be safe: If you're outside, find a space that is open and stay out of structures like buildings, power poles, and industrial sites that could collapse or result in catastrophic incidents.
Make sure everyone in the family is aware of the whereabouts of a fire extinguisher, torch, battery-operated radio, first aid box and emergency kit. The first thing you should do at home is tidy up any combustible items that may have dropped to the ground.
While there are some actions that should be avoided, these are the suggested behaviours during an earthquake. Let's begin by moving towards potentially hazardous locations (such as areas where buildings have collapsed). You must suppress your interest and avoid these areas.
Rather, proceed to the locations specified for meetings in the community emergency plan, making sure that ambulances, firemen and police have access to clear routes for transportation and communication.
What actions should we avoid taking during an earthquake?
When the earthquake has passed, the first thing to do is to assess everyone's health and administer first aid if needed. Under these circumstances, it is not advised:
Using the lift: It is not advised to use the lift prior to or shortly after the earthquake due to the significant possibility of it collapsing or becoming blocked. It is better to exit buildings via the stairs;
Stay away from heavy furniture, mirrors, glass doors, and windows since they could fall and injure you severely;
Run outside: wait to leave the house until the earthquake has passed to minimise the chance of falling or being struck by falling debris.
Panic: Try not to lose your cool; desperation can make rash decisions that could endanger your life.
It's common to have to restrict cell phone use in these scary situations in order to keep lines free for rescue and emergency services. In case your WiFi or cell network connection is steady, you can utilise social media platforms like Instagram or WhatsApp or send SMS.
In addition, you have to restrict how much you use the car and only go to the locations specified in the Civil Protection Plan in order to prevent getting in the way of rescue vehicles. If the earthquake caused major damage, you should wait until they are deemed safe before going back to damaged structures or regions where there is a risk of collapse.
How can you prepare for an earthquake in Madeira, the Azores, or the Portuguese mainland?
Although there have been earthquakes in other parts of Portugal that put everyone on edge, this is the largest to strike mainland Portugal since 1969. For instance, since the earthquake on March 7, 2020, which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale, or even since the earthquake on February 16, 2022, which was recorded with a magnitude of 5.2, Madeira has received extra attention.
Considering how frequently earthquakes occur, it is imperative to know the municipality in where you reside's seismic classification. To find out the regulations that need to be adopted, get in touch with 112, Civil Protection, or local authorities. Since these systems can sustain damage during an earthquake, it's also critical to understand where the meters for gas, water, and electricity are located and how to turn them off. It is advised that you close your energy meters every day when you leave the house.
You will be making a valuable contribution to the proper management of a potential emergency scenario, such an earthquake, by adhering to these directions. Pay attention.
1755 seismic event: the moment Lisbon fell
Other than what history books say about November 1, 1755, which tragically marred Portugal's history, there is no bodily memory. Lisbon was rocked by a strong earthquake that left behind unimaginable destruction.The city, which at the time was among the most significant in all of Europe, was reduced to rubble.
Large-scale flames and a tsunami that inundated the lowlands followed the earthquake. This tragedy not only claimed thousands of lives but also set off a severe social and economic crisis.
However, calmer times eventually arrive, and Lisbon had a significant overhaul that included a brand-new urban design. Wide, perpendicular arteries took the place of winding, winding streets, making it easier to move around and escape in the event of fresh disasters. The area known as Baixa Pombalina rose to prominence as a model of urban planning at the time, including stronger, taller structures constructed in compliance with new safety regulations.
A global inspiration, the city sprang from the ruins with a futuristic outlook, leaving a lasting legacy that is still visible while visiting the nation's capital.
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