Name: Christian Bryden

The Mitigation of the Effects of Earthquakes

When a Caribbean person thinks of earthquakes, they often do not get the
same need of preparedness as they would for say, a hurricane. This was the same
approach the Montserratian government took after being warned about the high
probability of a volcanic eruption 10 years before the eruption. Whenever there is
the potential for disaster, does it hurt to act as though there is a disaster? In a
situation like this, and earthquake would be termed as a natural disaster. Many
earthquakes or tremors are felt yearly around the Caribbean. All Caribbean
territories need to make sure that they have a plan implemented in the case that an
earthquake may occur.
Foremost, building should be properly designed and constructed to resist
earthquake shaking. Since falling buildings and other building structures constitute
the main hazard during an earthquake, focus on mitigating earthquakes effects
must be placed on the materials used in construction. This means that all masonry
structures must be reinforced with rebar. Rebar is a construction term used to refer
to steel tied in the structure. The use of rebar exponentially increases the stability of
the structure making it more resistant to earthquakes and tremors. However, the
building codes must be properly enforced to make sure that building contractors do
not use cheaper alternatives for the materials to build the structure. If the public is
aware of how earthquakes affect buildings they will also be less prone to cheating
the building codes which ties in with the next point.
Secondly, the effects that earthquakes have on an area is dependent on the
geology of the area. According to the Canadian Ministry of Energy, while we cannot

prevent earthquakes, we can reduce the physical effects of such events by using
our knowledge of geology to identify and avoid or modify sites where an earthquake
can be expected to have the greatest severity. Three geological processes are
responsible for the resulting damage of earthquakes: amplification, liquefaction and
landslides. With detailed geotechnical study of depth and properties of surface
sediments, the amplification of the earthquake waves can be predicted.
Geographical mapping of areas prone to landslides and liquefaction can aid urban
planning and the development of emergency procedures. This helps to mitigate the
effect of the earthquakes by reducing property loss and death tolls.
Finally, an important factor must be dealt with. All of the government
legislation becomes null and void without the cooperation of the general public.
Though the education about earthquakes is very important, it is more important for
knowledge to be manifested into practicality. The country must conduct national
drills to ensure maximum awareness of earthquake emergency procedures.
Simulations can also be available to the general public to enable the public to get a
surreal experience of an earthquake and be prepared mentally for an earthquake.
Conclusively, it is important to recognize the importance of preparation. This
is the main key to the mitigation of the effects for any natural disaster, earthquakes
being no exception. With the implementation of these precautions and measures, a
decrease in property damage and death toll will be seen.