Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis, are unfortunate realities of our world. They can cause widespread damage, loss of life, and disruption to communities and entire countries.

 

Earthquakes, in particular, are a unique and dangerous type of natural disaster because they can strike without warning, causing widespread destruction in mere seconds. Nonetheless, I think the vast majority of people have never had to fret over anything like that. Kenyan millennials and members of generation Z, like many of their peers throughout the world, are fortunate to live in areas rarely hit by natural disasters.

However, for those who happen to call Japan, Turkey, Syria, Greece, or other countries home, this is a nightmare that keeps on giving. Most of us have probably heard about the horrific earthquake in Turkey and Syria that killed over 5,000 people, injured hundreds, and wrecked the infrastructure of both countries. The thought of so many people being impacted by this tragedy serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of being prepared for disasters.

Maybe you’re wondering how earthquakes affect you and why you should bother preparing for them. Realistically, earthquakes and other natural disasters can have far-reaching effects on your life, your neighbourhood, and your future. It’s crucial to know what to do in the event of an earthquake, whether or not you reside in a very seismically active region. Today, I want to start a conversation about these natural disasters, their causes, and why they are rare in our country.

What is an Earthquake?

An earthquake is shaking the Earth’s surface caused by the sudden release of energy from the Earth’s lithosphere. This release of energy is caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which make up the Earth’s crust. When two plates collide, energy is released which can result in an earthquake. Earthquakes can occur anytime, day or night, ranging in magnitude from small, barely noticeable tremors to massive, devastating events that can level entire cities.

The effects of earthquakes can be catastrophic. Strong earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse, resulting in death and injury to those inside. Bridges, roads, and other infrastructure can also be damaged, making it difficult for first responders to reach those in need. In addition, earthquakes can trigger secondary disasters, such as fires, tsunamis, and landslides, which can add to the destruction and loss of life.

Latest Events

One of the most devastating earthquakes in recent history was Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The magnitude 9.0 earthquake created a tsunami that ravaged coastal settlements, causing catastrophic destruction. More than 15,000 people perished and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant experienced a nuclear meltdown as a result of the accident.

Another devastating earthquake was the 2010 Haiti earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.0 and resulted in the deaths of more than 200,000 people. The earthquake caused extensive damage to the nation’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings, making it difficult for emergency personnel to reach individuals in need.

On Monday morning local time, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and northwestern Syria; its vibrations were felt as far away as Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. After nine hours, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred again. Over 5,000 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries have been reported in the countries afflicted by the earthquakes, and the impacted nations are still battling to cope with the devastation wrought by the disasters. Thousands of structures have been turned to rubble as a result of the earthquakes.

Why Kenya is Lucky

I often express my gratitude to God whenever I hear about natural calamities in the news. I must state that our nation is fortunate. Due to Kenya’s location on the African Plate, a relatively stable tectonic plate, earthquakes are uncommon. The African Plate is situated in the centre of the African continent and is bordered by larger, more active tectonic plates, including the Nubian Plate and the Somali Plate.

Kenya is also situated away from the boundary between the African Plate and the Nubian Plate, where the majority of the seismic activity in Africa occurs. This boundary is located in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, north and east of Kenya.

Despite the rarity of earthquakes in Kenya, it is vital to recognize that they can still occur and cause major damage and loss of life. Consequently, it is essential to be prepared for such occurrences and to have emergency response strategies in place to mitigate their effects.

Join me next week as we discuss this topic further.

Until Next Time

Fabian ✌✌✌