Earthquake

An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the ground caused by movement inside the Earth.

🌍 What Causes Earthquakes?

Earth’s outer layer is made of huge pieces called tectonic plates. These plates slowly move. When they:
• Collide
• Slide past each other
• Pull apart

…energy builds up. When it releases suddenly, the ground shakes.

⚡ Main Causes
1. Tectonic plate movement (most common)
2. Volcanic activity
3. Underground explosions (rare)

📏 How Earthquakes Are Measured
• Magnitude: Strength of the earthquake
Measured using the Richter scale
• Intensity: Damage caused
Measured using the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale

🌊 Effects of Earthquakes
• Ground shaking
• Building collapse
• Landslides
• Tsunamis (if under the sea)
• Injuries and loss of life

🛡️ Safety Tips

Before
• Build earthquake-resistant houses
• Keep emergency kit ready

During
• Drop to the ground
• Take cover under strong furniture
• Hold on until shaking stops

After
• Move to open space
• Check for injuries
• Follow official instructions

If you’d like, I can also explain why Nepal gets frequent earthquakes due to the Himalayas.