How do Earthquakes affect us?
Earthquakes affect us tremendously. They are some of the most destructive forces in nature, often triggering tsunamis and deadly aftershocks depending on the location. The damage after the aftershocks and tsunamis only add to the dangers and costs for repairs. Buildings and other structures are generally the major cost factors because very few architects take into consideration the strength of buildings during an earthquake. One of the most costly earthquakes was the March 11 Honshu Earthquake in Japan. It was ranked the most costly natural disaster in history. The cost was estimated to be about $235 billion (by the World Bank) for Japan. There were 8,649 people killed. The estimated number of missing people is estimated to be about 13,262. Evidence, videos, and pictures have shown how abominably the affected areas were; it seemed as if there were no structures left standing.
Earthquakes are common in many places (as stated on the How often do earthquakes Happen? page). Many places have very small and unnoticed earthquakes of 1.5 and under weekly. The highest record was an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.5 (the highest recorded earthquake since the creation of seismographs).
Earthquakes are common in many places (as stated on the How often do earthquakes Happen? page). Many places have very small and unnoticed earthquakes of 1.5 and under weekly. The highest record was an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.5 (the highest recorded earthquake since the creation of seismographs).
Earthquake Damage Costs in the United States
