Strategies for Survival After Earthquakes
When an earthquake strikes, those trapped under rubble face a complex battle for survival. Key factors influencing survival include weather conditions and access to essential resources such as water and air. Experts point out that, if injuries aren’t too severe, individuals can endure more than a week in the debris, provided the weather is manageable.
Recent search and rescue efforts in western Colombia underline the urgency of the situation. Most rescues occur within 24 hours after the disaster, as survival chances decrease significantly with time. Many victims suffer severe injuries or get buried under falling debris.
Historical examples highlight extraordinary survival stories. After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, rescuers found a teenager and his 80-year-old grandmother alive after nine days. Similarly, a 16-year-old Haitian girl was rescued after 15 days trapped following the Port-au-Prince earthquake.
Survival often depends on the presence of a debris-free pocket, known as a survivable void space, which provides protection from major injuries, according to Brown University geophysicist Victor Tsai. However, the presence of fire, smoke, or hazardous chemicals reduces survival odds significantly, as noted by Dr. Joseph Barbera of George Washington University.
“You could survive a while without food,” said Barbera. “You could survive less without water.”
The surrounding temperature plays a crucial role, not only for those trapped but also for the rescue operations outside. In Colombia, international assistance poured in after authorities reported most fatalities in cities like Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo. Yet, information from rural areas remains scarce. Amidst the devastation, stories like that of a 32-year-old woman rescued after 36 hours offer rays of hope.
Medical care before and during rescue is essential to prevent rescued victims from going into shock, mainly due to toxin buildup from crushed muscles, emphasizes Barbera.
Knowing what to do during an earthquake varies depending on geographical location. In places with earthquake-resistant construction codes, the recommended actions are to drop, seek cover, and hold on unless near an exit. Seeking shelter underneath a sturdy table or furniture could create a survivable void, potentially saving lives should a building collapse. Protect your face from dust with cloth or a mask.
If trapped, conserving energy is vital; avoid overexertion. Ration any available food and water, remain aware of rescue signals, and use nearby objects to create noise for detection. If a phone is available, conserve its battery life and attempt calls in brief intervals daily.
Support for this coverage comes from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with full responsibility for content residing with The Associated Press.