What happens in the after hours of an earthquake?

Answer 1

In the hours after a severe earthquake there is/are:

• the possibility of more fires or explosions from broken gas lines
• flooding
• damaged infrastructure (roads, railways); travel is disrupted or impossible
• phone lines are down; service is sporadic
• confusion and shock among the residents
• persons trapped under debris
• persons hurt and needing help
• persons looking for loved ones
• initial confusion among the country's leaders, followed by activating disaster plans
• the country's military is mobilized
• citizens helps others; the military comes in to help
• the country's leader either places or receives calls from other nations offering help with search/rescue, food/water, shelter, medical services... later comes re-building
• other countries mobilize military ships, which go to the area with permission of the country's leaders
• Search & Rescue teams worldwide organize; they can only mobilize (go) after gaining permission to enter the other country in most cases
• helicopters search for victims in flood waters
• if no flooding, people dig other people out, by hand or with hand tools; equipment must be brought in later
• the country must secure vital installations -- military bases; airports; nuclear reactors; hospitals
• most physicians and nurses who live in the country simply appear at hospitals, ready to work-- they don't need to be called to come
• physicians with or without the military set up "Triage" areas to process the injured ; treatment begins immediately as long as there are medical supplies
• people are in shock -- some cry, others never cry
• people can start to have "flashbacks" within hours of the event
• children are often separated from their parents during a disaster, so both are looking for each other
• children without a relative are taken to shelters or hospitals to be cared for by adults
• babies and children during disasters (or wars) are at the highest risk for victimization ("child abuse by strangers"); sometimes they are at risk for abduction or attempts to "traffic" the child/teen; for this reason, disaster workers must be with reputable disaster relief organizations
• Disaster relief organizations begin arriving; they set up distribution points for food, water, clothing, etc.
• non-injured persons seek water and food from any available sources
• Within 5 to 7 days, most relief workers and search and rescue units are on the ground working.
• the country is "re-building" even during search & rescue
• re-building of structures and roads go on for years.

Answer 2

After an earthquake, emergency response teams will assess the damage, search for survivors, and provide aid to those in need. People may also experience aftershocks, which are smaller earthquakes that can occur in the hours or days following the initial quake. It is important to stay alert and follow any instructions given by authorities.