Earthquakes are the deadliest sudden-onset disaster we track. The difference between tragedy and a near-miss is usually preparation, not luck.
Before: prepare while the ground is still
- Fix heavy furniture to walls; move heavy objects off high shelves.
- Agree a family meeting point and an out-of-area contact.
- Keep a go-bag: water, torch, power bank, whistle, basic medicines, copies of documents.
During: Drop, Cover, Hold On
Drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy table protecting your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops. Do not run outside during shaking — most injuries come from falling debris at building exits. If outdoors, move away from buildings and power lines.
After: the first hour
- Expect aftershocks — they can topple weakened structures.
- Check for gas leaks before using flames or switches.
- Use SMS instead of calls to keep networks free for emergencies.
- Follow official channels — and remember you can monitor confirmed reports on our live map.