Earthquakes: Understanding why the earth shakes

An earthquake is one of the most powerful natural events. It can happen suddenly, without giving people enough time to react. Within a few seconds, the ground beneath our feet starts shaking. Buildings may develop cracks, roads can be damaged and, in serious cases, lives and property may be lost. Such events naturally create fear, particularly when tremors occur repeatedly. However, if we understand why earthquakes happen and how we should respond, we can reduce unnecessary fear and protect ourselves through proper preparation.

At first, it may seem that the Earth is a solid and motionless body. We walk on it, build houses on it and depend on it every day. But deep inside, our planet is constantly changing. The Earth is made up of different layers. The outermost layer is called the crust, on which we live. Below it is the mantle, followed by the core.

The Earth's outer layer is not one continuous piece. It is divided into several huge sections called tectonic plates. These plates are always moving, although very slowly. In most places, their movement is only a few centimetres in a year. We cannot feel this movement in our daily lives, but over thousands and millions of years, it can bring about major changes on the Earth's surface.

These plates move in different directions. Some move towards each other, some move apart, while others slide past one another. Their movement is mainly linked to the heat and slow movement of material inside the Earth. When two plates push against each other, the rocks along their boundaries may become locked because of friction. Even though the plates cannot move freely, the pressure on them continues to increase.

With time, this pressure becomes too great for the rocks to bear. Suddenly, the rocks break or slip along a weak area inside the Earth's crust. The energy stored in them is released in the form of waves, which travel through the Earth and shake the ground. This is what we experience as an earthquake.

In simple words, an earthquake occurs when pressure built up inside the Earth is suddenly released, causing the ground to shake.

The place inside the Earth where this sudden breaking or movement begins is called the focus. The point on the Earth's surface directly above it is known as the epicentre. People living near the epicentre may experience strong shaking, but the damage is not always the same everywhere. It also depends on how deep the earthquake occurs, the type of soil, the distance from the source and, most importantly, the quality of buildings.

Scientists use special instruments called seismometers to record earthquakes. These instruments help them study the movement of the ground and understand where an earthquake has occurred and how strong it was. We often hear about the magnitude of an earthquake. Magnitude tells us how large an earthquake is and how much energy it releases. Intensity, on the other hand, tells us how strongly it is felt and what kind of damage it causes at a particular place.

Kashmir is among the regions where earthquake awareness is particularly important. The reason is its geographical location. The Indian plate is slowly moving towards the north and pushing against the Eurasian plate. Over millions of years, this movement has led to the formation of the Himalayan mountains. Even today, these two plates continue to push against each other, creating pressure inside the Earth's crust.

The beautiful Himalayan mountains are, therefore, not just a part of our natural landscape. They are also the result of powerful geological forces that are still active. This makes Kashmir and other parts of the Himalayan region vulnerable to earthquakes. We cannot stop these natural forces, but we can certainly take steps to reduce the loss of life and property.

A question often asked by people is whether scientists can predict an earthquake before it happens. At present, science has no reliable method to tell us the exact date, time, place and magnitude of an earthquake. Scientists can identify areas that are more likely to experience earthquakes. They can also study faults, record small tremors and estimate the possibility of future earthquakes. But an exact prediction is not yet possible.

There are also many beliefs about earthquakes. Some people think that changes in weather, unusual animal behaviour or a sudden change in temperature are signs of an approaching earthquake. However, there is no dependable scientific evidence that these things can predict an earthquake. Earthquakes are caused by geological forces inside the Earth, not by ordinary changes in weather or rainfall.

What is more important is knowing what to do when an earthquake occurs. People often become frightened and immediately rush towards doors, staircases or outside spaces. Such a reaction can sometimes put them in greater danger. The safest general advice is to remain calm and follow three simple steps: Drop, Cover and Hold On.

As soon as the shaking begins, drop down on your hands and knees. Take cover under a strong table or desk and hold on until the shaking stops. Keep away from windows, glass, cupboards and other heavy objects that may fall. Do not use lifts during an earthquake.

If you are outside, move away from buildings, electric poles, trees and anything that may fall. If you are driving, stop your vehicle in a safe place, away from bridges, buildings and overhead electric wires. Remain inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

Our preparation should not begin after an earthquake. Buildings must be constructed according to proper earthquake-resistant standards. Old buildings, particularly those that may be weak, should be inspected by qualified engineers. Heavy cupboards, shelves and other furniture should be properly fixed so that they do not fall during shaking.

Schools, hospitals, offices and residential buildings should also have basic emergency plans. Children should be taught how to protect themselves, and families should know where to go and how to contact one another in an emergency. Public awareness programmes can make a real difference, especially in a region like Kashmir.

An earthquake is a natural process. It is neither a mysterious event nor something that should be linked with rumours or unnecessary fear. It is part of the changing nature of our planet. The Earth has been changing for millions of years, and these changes will continue.

What matters is how well we understand these natural events and how responsibly we prepare ourselves. Instead of spreading unverified information whenever tremors are felt, we should depend on scientists, engineers and reliable government agencies for guidance.

Kashmir is blessed with beautiful mountains, rivers and valleys, but its geographical location also brings certain natural risks. We must accept this reality and make scientific awareness a part of our everyday life.

We cannot control the movement of the Earth beneath our feet, nor can we prevent earthquakes. But we can make our homes safer, build stronger structures, educate our children and prepare our communities. Knowledge, awareness and timely action are our best protection against the dangers of earthquakes.