Earthquakes – What’s Happening and How to Stay Safe

Every few minutes a tremor rattles somewhere on the planet. For most of us the news‑feed just flashes a headline, but behind each shake are real people, homes, and urgent choices. This page pulls the latest earthquake stories together, breaks down why they happen, and gives you straight‑forward steps to protect yourself and others.

Recent Earthquake Highlights

The most talked‑about quake this month hit eastern Afghanistan. A 6.0‑magnitude shock near Jalalabad wiped out more than 8,000 homes, killed over 1,100 people and left thousands injured. Landslides blocked roads, making rescue work a nightmare. International aid groups from China to the IFRC have pledged help, but getting supplies to remote villages remains a big challenge.

That event isn’t an outlier. In the past year we’ve seen damaging tremors in Turkey, Japan, and parts of the U.S. West Coast. Each incident reminds us that earthquakes don’t wait for a perfect day – they strike when the ground beneath us shifts.

Practical Safety Tips

When the ground starts moving, the right actions can save lives. First, drop, cover, and hold on. Drop to your knees, get under a sturdy table or desk, and hold onto it until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, heavy objects, and exterior walls.

If you’re outside, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Inside a vehicle? Pull over safely, stay inside, and wait for the shaking to end before you continue driving.

After the tremor, check yourself and anyone nearby for injuries. Look for broken glass, gas leaks, or structural damage. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, turn off the main valve if you can do it safely, then call emergency services.

Having a simple emergency kit makes a big difference. Pack water, non‑perishable food, a flashlight, spare batteries, a first‑aid kit, and a whistle. Keep it in an easy‑to‑reach spot so you can grab it quickly.

Stay informed with reliable alerts. Most smartphones can receive earthquake warnings from government agencies. Sign up for local alert systems and follow reputable news sources for updates.

When the shaking stops, be ready for aftershocks. They can be almost as strong as the main quake and catch you off guard. Re‑check your surroundings before moving around.

If you’re in a community hit hard by a quake, consider how you can help. Volunteering with local shelters, donating to trusted relief charities, or sharing accurate information on social media are all ways to make a positive impact.

Finally, talk about earthquakes with your family. Practice “what‑if” drills, decide on a meeting point, and make sure everyone knows how to turn off utilities. Knowing the plan ahead of time reduces panic when a real event occurs.

Earthquakes are powerful, but with the right knowledge and preparation you can reduce the risk to yourself and those around you. Keep an eye on the latest news, stay ready, and look out for each other.