Credit USGS
# 8223
A strong, relatively shallow earthquake and a moderate aftershock have struck the Southern coastline of Greece, and preliminary reports indicate there has been some local damage and possible injuries. The towns closest to the epicenter are generally small (3K-5K pop.), and so the damage may not be as great as it might have been in a more populated area.
When it comes to earthquakes we usually think first of the Pacific’s Ring Of Fire, but Europe has a long history of destructive quakes as well.
In 2011, in A Look At Europe’s Seismic Risks, we took look at some of the devastating earthquakes to strike Europe over the past 700 years, including the quake that leveled the Swiss town of Basel in 1356 and the horrific earthquake and tsunami that struck Portugal in 1755 on November 1st (All Saint’s Day).
In December of 2011, in WHO e-Atlas Of Natural Disaster Risks To Europe, we looked at some of the seismic risks to Europe. Also in 2011 (see UNDP: Supercities At Seismic Risk) we saw a report that stated that half of the world’s supercities (urban areas with 2 million – 15 million inhabitants) are at high risk for seismic activity.
And more recently, in January of this 2012 (see UN Agency Warns On Global Seismic Risks), the United Nations International Strategy For Disaster Reduction (UNIDSR.Org) issued a cautionary warning about ignoring seismic threats.
While we can’t predict where the next earthquake will strike, or do anything to stop it, we can prepare to deal with one when it happens.
For good, solid information on how prepare for `the big one’ (even if you live someplace other than Los Angeles), I would recommend you download, read, and implement the advice provided by the The L. A. County Emergency Survival Guide.
While US-centric, FEMA has an earthquake hazard webpage with a lot of resources that would be of use to just about anyone, including the following preparedness information.
Emergencies happen every day. Disasters, admittedly, less often. But in either event, preparedness is key.
