Earthquakes are shocking and strike the surface of the Earth, generating immense devastation to human lives and property. Typically, the whole world is divided into several seismic zones by the intensity or amplitude of the quakes and tectonic plates. Since there is no monitoring device to predict earthquake beforehand, it is critical that people be well prepared in case of any natural calamity. In this selection the 10 countries most prone to earthquakes in 2016 are highlighted. Source: ezinereligion.com
10. INDONESIA
Jakarta or commonly known with Indonesia is highly susceptible to earthquakes and other physical disasters. Earthquakes have created immense damage to buildings, resources, and lives in recent years. Volcanic eruptions are also prevalent in this country. Last year, an earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit northern Sumatra causing hundreds of casualties and 35 unavoidable deaths.
9. TURKEY
Turkey falls within the seismic zone between the Eurasian, African and Arabian plates. Most of the country lies on the plate of Anatolia. That’s why the earthquake hits any part of the country at any time. Many Richter scale earthquakes ranging from 6 to 7.2 have hit several states of Turkey in the past. Due to its greater vulnerability to earthquakes, it is often reported that the country witnesses a medium-scale earthquake every day.
8. MEXICO
Mexico has faced many earthquakes in the past. The country mainly falls in one of the areas of greater seismic activity on the surface of the planet, since it is situated on 3 tectonic plates, that is, American plate, plate Cocos, and Pacific plate. The rates of volcanic eruptions are also high due to the movement of tectonic plates. An earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale hit the country in 2014, causing several casualties in the city of Guerrero.
7. EL SALVADOR
El Salvador is prone to earthquakes and other casual calamities. And they are responsible for several victims and destruction of properties. In addition, the size of earthquakes recorded in the past has been extremely high on the Richter scale.
6. PAKISTAN
Pakistan is geologically situated at the top of the tectonic plates, ie tectonic plates of Eurasia and India. In the provinces of Sindh and Punjab, they are on the edge of the Indian plate, Baluchistan is inside the plate of Eurasia. The nation has been the victim of several deadly earthquakes measuring as high as 7.8 on the Richter scale. And it has been reported that thousands of people have been left homeless, and several people injured.
5. PHILIPPINES
Philippines, a densely populated island that lies mostly on the edge of the Pacific plate, commonly known as the Pacific Fire Circle. Circle of Fire is typically a hot seismic zone that surrounds the country. Earthquakes with high measurement at the Richter level have caused deadly volcanic eruptions in the past as well. The number of casualties and injuries was reported to be quite high.
4. ECUADOR
Ecuador is a land of several active volcanoes, and thus, this presence makes it a very dangerous place in the event of high magnitude tremors and earthquakes. The country Ecuador is located within the seismic zone between the Nazca plate and the South American plate. The main active faults of the country run parallel to the Andes, such as Palltanga and Chingual faults, and different are the inverse flaws of north-south tendency such as Quito’s fault.
3. INDIA
India has a history of many deadly earthquakes. But, the main reason for the high frequency and intensity of shocks has been the Indian plate moving at a rate of 47 mm / year. Due to the displacement of the tectonic plates, India suffered enormous damages due to the tsunami in the southern states. Initially, India was divided into 5 zones by the intensity of earthquake tremors and accelerations. The most problematic areas, including Kashmir, Himalayas, and Rann of Kutch fall in zone 5.
2. NEPAL
Nepal is a living area seismically and therefore, according to estimates, a citizen in Nepal is twice as likely to be killed in an earthquake as any in the world. Earthquakes measuring as high as 8 on the Richter scale hit the country in the past. Such a disaster struck Nepal in 1934, measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale.
1. JAPAN
Japan has a long history of disastrous earthquakes. It is originally situated in the Pacific Circle of Fire. As a result of the subsection of the Philippines plate under the American plate and Okinawa plate, Japan has been a victim of several high-intensity tremors. Such a deadly earthquake shook the country on March 11, 2011, which also proved to be the most expensive natural disaster for the state. This 9.0 magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami that caused the Fukushima nuclear accident.
