The Philippines is known as a country that commonly experiences earthquakes due to its geographical aspect; hence, most Filipinos are still lacking in knowledge regarding this disaster.
Besides knowing the mandatory “duck, cover, and hold,” Filipinos still have to know what the common misconceptions are that are associated with this catastrophe and reveal the truth behind them.
To give clarification about these matters, here are some myths about earthquakes and the truth about them according to experts:
1. Pets can detect earthquakes
Our pets, especially dogs, are commonly described as having more advanced senses compared to humans, but experts have disclosed that they cannot predict catastrophes like earthquakes beforehand.
According to a study by an international emergency management organization, dogs and cats who are making uncomfortable movements before an earthquake are not related to the catastrophe itself.
In their observation, the change in their behavior is not consistent whenever an earthquake happens, which obviously shows that they cannot feel any signs before an earthquake occurs.
2. The doorway is the safest place during an earthquake
According to experts, a doorway only becomes a safe place during an earthquake if your house is made up of stones just like adobe-styled houses.
But in modern structures of houses, the doorway is a weak spot during an earthquake compared to other parts of a building or house.
This is because other factors can hurt you when you’re in a doorway such as the swinging of the door. With this, it is still advisable to go outside immediately or get under a hard object such as desks or tables.
3. Small earthquakes are a sign that big earthquakes will not happen
Even though an earthquake only created a minimal impact on your area, this does not mean that a bigger magnitude of earthquake will not happen for the next hours or days.
Aftershocks are still bound to happen in the same area where the earthquake struck which is why experts advise the community to stay still after experiencing an earthquake to make sure that the area will be safe.
4. Wide cracks after major earthquakes can swallow buildings and people
If you already watched a series or movie wherein the characters were swallowed by huge cracks after an earthquake, you should be reminded that this scenario will not happen in real life.
According to experts, the opening of faults can only happen when there is no friction involved. Hence, when it comes to earthquakes, friction is always present which means it is not bound to happen after the catastrophe.
Despite this, people should still be reminded that shallow cracks can still form after earthquakes where people and other objects may fall if not seen.
5. Earthquakes can only happen during the dry season
Most people commonly observed that earthquakes are happening when it is not raining or in the dry season. But, this does not mean that earthquakes are only bound to be experienced during this season.
Earthquakes travel from time to time underground and can occur any minute and in any weather when it is triggered by a natural factor.
Considering all these misconceptions, it is evident that people are still taking into consideration these misconceptions about earthquakes that can possibly harm them.
Addressing these matters, may we all be reminded that having knowledge of a catastrophe will always be the first step to keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe.
