רעידת אדמה- אנגלית

An earthquake is the result of movement of the tectonic plates that make up the earth’s crust and uppermost mantle. Their shifting creates areas of friction between the plates. When the force exerted on the planes of the friction exceeds the force of friction between the plates, a rapid movement occurs. This is an earthquake. The process releases a great deal of energy, some of which is converted to waves moving through the earth up to the surface, and causing vibrations.

The magnitude is a relative index of the amount of energy released at the epicenter of the earthquake. During the 1930s, an American geologist named Charles F. Richter developed a system for determining the magnitude. Based on his scale, magnitude is determined by the vibrations at the site being measured. Each whole number increase in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude. As an estimate of energy, each whole number step in the magnitude scale corresponds to the release of over 30 times more energy than the amount associated with the preceding whole number value. Every earthquake has a single magnitude, and it always refers to the earthquake’s epicenter.

Yes. Many factors on earth create seismic energy (human activity, mine blasting, winds, waves, etc.) that moves in waves on earth, and cause the surface to vibrate. This type of seismic activity is called background noise. In addition, there are always very weak earthquakes, registered only by seismographs. In Israel, several microearthquakes, resulting from the geological fault lines in our region, are measured daily.

Earthquakes measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale have been recorded in the Pacific Ocean. These have taken place far from population centers, and have therefore not caused damage.

On November 22, 1995, there was an earthquake that measured 6.2 on the Richter scale (and 7.1 on a new magnitude scale) in the Eilat Bay area, some 100 km. south of the city of Eilat. The last fatal earthquake that occurred in this region took place on July 11, 1927. The epicenter was north of the Dead Sea, and the magnitude was approximately 6.2 on the Richter scale.

Generally yes, but not always. In the Eilat Bay area, there have been several instances in which several very weak earthquakes were followed by a strong one. In most cases, like in the earthquake of 1995, the strong earthquake comes first.

Almost always. A strong earthquake is followed by weaker ones, some of which may even be felt by people in the area. The length of such seismic activity varies from one quake to another. In some cases, it may be a few days or weeks; at other times, it may last months and even years. 

Absolutely nobody can predict earthquakes. The GII’s Seismology Division generates statistical probability analyses, and in a few cases it might issue an alert about the possibility of an impending earthquake.

A strong earthquake is liable to occur at any time. Statistical analyses indicate a high probability that an earthquake will occur within the next 50 years along the Syro-African Rift that runs along Israel’s eastern border.

The rate of seismic activity may change over periods of hundreds and thousands of years, but not over the period of a few years. Nonetheless, as more time passes from the last strong earthquake, the risk of another strong earthquake rises.

If we consider the fact that a strong earthquake impacts a range of dozens of kilometers from the epicenter, we have to conclude that the entire populated part of Israel is close to seismic activity. At the same time, it is important to remember that the risk to people and property centers on buildings. High-risk areas are those places where buildings have not been built to withstand earthquakes. Inspecting existing buildings is a complex and costly process, and the necessary budgetary resources have not yet been found to make this possible.

Under no circumstances do we envision total destruction. The primary factors that affect the extent of damage to a building are its planning and the quality of its construction. In general, we are concerned about quakes that measure 6 and above on the Richter scale. In the history of this area, such earthquakes, when hitting populated areas, have caused destruction, injuries, and much property damage.

Unfortunately, the State of Israel has a lot of experience dealing with mass disasters. In the event of a strong earthquake, the experience and skill of all search and rescue personnel of the state would be brought to bear on the handling of the event.

It is safe to assume that many countries would participate in aid efforts.

According to the law, the organization that is in charge of maintaining the safety and security of the residents of the country in peacetime is the Israel Police. In the event that the government declares and emergency, it is possible that responsibility would be transferred to the army. Therefore, it is safe to assume that, in the event an emergency is declared, the IDF and the Home Front Command would be put in charge of handling a strong earthquake.

No. There is no practical way of predicting which wall or part of a structure would be the first to cave in during an earthquake. It is therefore recommended to take cover under a heavy piece of furniture such as the dining room table, or to stand under the lintel of a door.

As long as your head is protected and you have enough air to breathe, it is all right.

It’s a question of availability. If it’s possible to make it to the shelter within a few seconds, it’s all right. If not, it’s better to remain in the home, under a heavy piece of furniture. Generally speaking, a shelter is more durable than regular construction, and can provide protection from parts of the building that are collapsing.

In principle, it’s possible to do so. Under any circumstance, you must consult an engineer. Newer construction is planned to earthquake standards and codes. Older buildings can have a tower of rooms added to the entire height of the structure (similar to secure spaces).

Yes.