Effects of Earthquakes

Earthquakes, even if they are of the same magnitude, may have varying effects on different affected places. The damage depends on the underground and surface conditions of the place. For example, structures built on soft and loose materials would experience more noticeable effects compared with those structures built on an area of hard rocks. The land surface may sink or split along the fault, affecting the structures built in the area. Buildings and houses that are poorly built may collapse. Concrete fences may crack and crumble, depending on their structural foundation.

Here are some of the observable effects of strong earthquakes on the surface of the earth.

1. Ground Tremors
   The earth’s crust shakes and the strength of movement depends on the distance of an area from the focus and epicenter of the earthquake. If the place is near the focus and epicenter, the tremor would be strong. In contrast, if an area is several kilometers away from the origin of the earthquake, the tremor felt in the place would be less.

Ground tremors can cause damages to structures such as commercial buildings, monuments, and churches, which may break, crack, or collapse. When an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 hit Baguio City in 1990, several buildings collapsed. Electrical posts, water pipes, and communication lines were also destroyed.