On 17 August 1999 at 3:02 a.m. local time, a deathly earthquake struck the western part of Turkey near Izmit, an industrial town. The magnitude of the earthquake was estimated to 7.4.
This earthquake was caused by two plates, Eurasian and African plate, when they slide past each other. The pressure of the two plates caused the earthquake.
During the time, most people still asleep thus they had no chance of escape. Many of them died. The earthquake caused more than 14,000 deaths and many missing. Many buildings had collapsed. Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, about 70 km away, also had buildings destroyed. The following two days, there are still aftershocks. At least 300 aftershocks including 10 major aftershocks which cause more damage.
Bulent Ecevit, the prime minister of Turkey, had visited Izmit and said that it was the worst earthquake he had experienced. Rescue operations were carried out.
We can minimize the damage by securing the furniture, hanging items, items on open shelves should be installed with ledges and make sure the foundation of the building is good.
Earthquakes are terrifying. We must be prepared for this disastrous event to reduce damages and even loss of lives. It is unpredictable but we must be prepared for it.
