Solution:

Characteristics:

• Usually no warning. However, following a major earthquake, secondary shocks may warn of a further earthquake.

• Speed of onset is usually sudden.

• Earthquake-prone areas are generally well-identified and well-known.

• Major effects arise mainly from land movement, fracture, or slippage; specifically, they include damage (usually very severe) to structures and systems and considerable casualties due to a lack of warning.

General countermeasures:

• Developing possible warning indicators,

• Land-use regulations,

• Building regulations,

• Relocating communities, and

• Public awareness and education programs.

Special problem areas for disaster management:

• Severe and extensive damage, creating the need for urgent countermeasures, especially search and rescue, and medical assistance;

• The difficulty of access and movement;

• Widespread loss of or damage to infrastructure, essential services, and life-support systems;

• Recovery requirements (e.g., restoration and rebuilding) may be very extensive and costly; and

• Rarity of occurrence in some areas may cause problems for economies of countermeasures and public awareness.