Effects of Earthquakes

Earthquakes may also result in certain effects that may cause further damages to lives and properties. Some of the secondary effects of earthquakes are the following:

1. Tsunamis
   Disturbances like underwater earthquakes create enormous waves in the oceans or seas. Tsunamis are big waves that can move hundreds of kilometers per hour in the ocean and flow into the land with waves as high as 10 m or more. The waves travel outward in all directions and build a height on the shore. In a few seconds, these big waves flow over the land, wash away the structures along the path, and then return to the ocean, leaving great damages and loss of lives.

Oscillating waves, called seiches, occur on lakes shaken by earthquakes and are usually a few meters high. These waves can cause floods in low areas and are capable of destroying houses and uprooting trees.