Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between earthquake magnitude and intensity?
Magnitude measures the total energy released at the earthquake’s source and is a single number for the entire event (e.g., magnitude 9.1). Intensity describes the level of shaking and damage at a specific location, which varies with distance and local geology. An earthquake has one magnitude but many intensity values.
Why was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami so deadly?
The 2004 tsunami’s high death toll was caused by a combination of factors. The generating earthquake was exceptionally powerful, it struck a densely populated region, and most critically, there was no tsunami early warning system in place in the Indian Ocean to alert coastal communities to evacuate.
How did the 1931 China floods cause so many deaths?
While many people died from drowning, the vast majority of the fatalities from the 1931 floods occurred in the months that followed. The floodwaters destroyed crops, leading to a massive famine, and the contaminated water caused widespread outbreaks of deadly diseases like cholera and typhoid.
Can scientists predict earthquakes?
No, scientists cannot predict the exact time, location, and magnitude of a specific earthquake. However, through seismic hazard mapping, they can forecast the probability of an earthquake occurring in a particular area over a period of years or decades, which is essential for developing building codes and preparedness plans.
What is the most important factor in reducing disaster deaths?
While many factors are important, robust early warning systems combined with effective public education are among the most critical. Giving people timely and understandable warnings, and ensuring they know what actions to take, can dramatically reduce fatalities from hazards like tsunamis, floods, and hurricanes.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official emergency guidance. Natural disaster conditions, official guidance, and public policies are subject to change. Always verify information with official agencies like your local emergency management authority, the National Weather Service, or the U.S. Geological Survey.
Public health information at the CDC and the WHO. Environmental data via the EPA.
Transport and workplace investigations via the NTSB and OSHA. Risk reduction resources at the UNDRR.
