An earthquake of magnitude 7.8 occurred at 4:17 local time on February 6 in Turkey. During this period, several aftershocks occurred, and another earthquake of magnitude 7.8 occurred at 18:24 in the evening. Two earthquakes of the same magnitude a day are typical "double earthquakes" "Because the earthquake occurred in the early morning, the snow was heavy after the earthquake, and the temperature was low. The Turkish President said: This earthquake is the biggest disaster the country has encountered since 1939, and the casualties are expected to be relatively large.
According to the Turkish local media "The Post", just three days before the strong earthquake, a 4.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Yasiba City, Osmaniye Province, near the epicenter. The country's geologist Dr. Nasi Gulu reminded that the The quake struck on the East Anatolian fault zone, raising concerns about parts of the region that lie on it.
This can be regarded as a typical example of a small earthquake to a major earthquake, and there are still many incredible things circulating on social media. Dutch seismologist Frank Hogerbits, for example, predicted a devastating earthquake in Turkey three days before the disaster. Hogbitz wrote on social media on February 3 that a 7.5 "magnitude earthquake" will occur in this area (central and southern Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon) in the near future.
According to public information, in the past year, there have been 109 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or above in the world, including 98 of magnitude 6.0 to 6.9, 11 of magnitude 7.0 to 7.9, and 0 above magnitude 8.0. This earthquake is the largest earthquake. The U.S. Geological Survey told CNN that the magnitude of the quake was extremely rare and it was the most powerful earthquake to hit Turkey since 1939. Another 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey has killed more than 1,200 people in Turkey and Syria
What should I pay attention to when encountering an earthquake?
1. For the safety of yourself and your family, please hide under solid furniture such as tables
The maximum shaking time is about 1 minute. At this time, the first consideration should be the personal safety of yourself and your family. Take cover under a low, sturdy table and hold on to the legs. In places where there is no table or other place to hide, in any case, protect the head with a cushion or the like.
2. Turn off the fire immediately when shaking, and extinguish the fire immediately when there is a fire
In the event of a major earthquake, it may not be possible to rely on fire trucks to extinguish fires. Therefore, the efforts of each of us to turn off and extinguish the fire is an important factor in whether the earthquake disaster can be controlled to a minimum.
Let's develop the habit of turning off the fire even if it is a small earthquake. In order to prevent the fire from causing a catastrophe, it is extremely important for the family members to help each other and strive to put out the fire early. During an earthquake, there are three chances to turn off the fire. The first chance is at the moment when the small shake is felt before the big shake, and immediately greet each other: "Earthquake! Turn off the fire!", and turn off the heating in use Stoves, gas stoves, etc. The second chance is to turn off the fire when the big shaking stops, and the kettle placed on the gas stove or heating stove will slip down, which is very dangerous. After the big shaking stopped, I shouted again: "Turn off the fire! Turn off the fire!", and went to turn off the fire. Even if a fire occurs after the third chance catches fire, it can still be extinguished within 1-2 minutes. In order to quickly extinguish the fire, please place the fire extinguisher and fire buckets close to the place where the fire is used.
3. Don’t panic and run outside
After the earthquake, it is very dangerous to run outside in a panic. Broken glass, bricks and tiles on the roof, billboards, etc. will fall and hit you. In addition, cement prefabricated board walls, vending machines, etc. are also at risk of collapse, so do not get close to these objects.
4. Open the door to ensure the exit
For houses with reinforced concrete structures, etc., due to the shaking of the earthquake, the doors and windows will be misaligned, and the door cannot be opened. There have been cases where people were locked in the house. Please open the door to ensure exit. Usually, you have to think about how to escape in case you are locked in the house, and prepare ladders, ropes, etc.
5. In outdoor occasions, protect your head and avoid dangerous places
When the ground shakes violently and people are unable to stand firmly, people will have the psychology of leaning on and grabbing something. Most of the doorposts and walls around you will become objects to lean on. However, these seemingly solid things are actually dangerous. During the submarine earthquake in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan in 1987, many people were killed and injured due to the collapse of cement prefabricated slab walls and gate posts. Be sure not to get close to the cement prefabricated board wall, doorpost, etc. to hide.
In bustling streets and building areas, the most dangerous thing is that glass windows, billboards and other objects fall down and hurt people. Pay attention to protect your head with your hands or handbags. In addition, you should also pay attention to the vending machine overturning and hurting people. When in a building area, depending on the situation, it is safer to enter a building for shelter.
6. Follow the instructions of the staff in department stores and theaters
In places with many people, such as department stores and underground malls, the most frightening thing is chaos. Please act according to the instructions of store staff and security personnel. As far as earthquakes are concerned, it is said that underground shopping malls are relatively safe. Even in the event of a power outage, the emergency lights will come on immediately, so please act calmly. In case of fire, it will be filled with smoke immediately. Evacuate in a lowered posture and never smoke. In the event of an earthquake or fire, the elevator cannot be used. In case of an earthquake while taking the elevator, press all the buttons on each floor on the operation panel. Once it stops, leave the elevator quickly and evacuate after confirming safety. The elevators of high-rise buildings and recent buildings are all equipped with devices for controlling operation. When an earthquake occurs, it will automatically move and stop at the nearest floor. In case you are locked in the elevator, please contact the management office for help through the dedicated telephone in the elevator.
7. Cars are parked by the side of the road, and driving is prohibited in restricted areas
When a major earthquake occurs, the car will be like a flat tire, unable to control the steering wheel and difficult to drive. You must pay full attention to avoid the intersection and stop the car on the side of the road. In order not to hinder the passage of evacuated people and emergency vehicles, give way to the middle part of the road.
The vast majority of roads in urban centers will be completely closed to traffic. Pay full attention to the broadcast of the car radio, and follow the instructions of the police if there is a police nearby. When it is necessary to evacuate, in order not to be involved in the fire, please close the car windows, insert the car key in the car, do not lock the car door, and act together with the local people.
8. Be careful of landslides, falling rocks or tsunamis
On the side of a mountain or on a steep slope, there is a danger of landslides and falling rocks from cliffs, so you should quickly seek refuge in a safe place.
On the coast, there is a danger of encountering a tsunami. If an earthquake or tsunami warning is issued, please pay attention to the information on the radio, TV, etc., and evacuate to a safe place immediately.
9. Walk on foot when evacuating, and carry items at a minimum
When the fire caused by the earthquake spreads and burns, and there is a danger to life or personal safety, take evacuation measures. The method of evacuation is, in principle, to take evacuation on foot under the leadership of the person in charge and the police, with the citizens' disaster prevention organizations and streets as units, and the items to be carried should be at a minimum. Never use a car or bicycle to evacuate.
The cooperation and mutual assistance of local residents is indispensable for the evacuation of sick people and others. Normally, it is necessary for neighbors to agree on the method of evacuation in advance.
10. Don't listen to rumors, don't act rashly
When a major earthquake occurs, people are easily shaken psychologically. To prevent confusion, it is extremely important for everyone to act calmly based on the correct information.
Grasp the correct information from the radio, etc. that you carry. Believe in the information you get directly from the government, police, firefighting and other disaster prevention agencies, never trust irresponsible gossip, and don't act rashly.
On behalf of all GME employees, I would like to express my deep condolences to the victims of the earthquake, and hope that Turkey and Syria can overcome the impact of the disaster and rebuild their homes as soon as possible.
