An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis or landslides.
A strong 5.7-magnitude earthquake shook Dhaka at 10:38am on Friday, the tremor lasting for several seconds.
Earthquakes can strike anywhere without warning, causing panic, damage, and sometimes loss of life, making preparedness and strong building codes essential.
Prepare before an earthquake
The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens. Practice how to protect yourself during earthquakes, with family and coworkers.
Make an emergency plan for you and your family. Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated.
Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
Protect your home
Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
Stay safe during the earthquake
If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away.
If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.
If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
Cover your head and neck, take shelter under a sturdy table or next to an interior wall, and hold on until the shaking stops.
If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you're outside, stay there. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop and cover until shaking stops to protect yourself from flying debris.
Things to do after
There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.
Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.
If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection and instead of shouting, use a whistle.
If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Avoid contact with floodwaters as they can contain chemicals, sewage, and debris.
Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help arrives.
If you are sick or injured and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911
Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions.
Send text messages instead of calling, as they may go through more reliably, and use social media to inform others that you are safe.
Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes.
Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris.
People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled.
Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
Earthquakes are unpredictable, but timely information, community awareness and preparedness can help minimize damage and protect lives.