By Dr Than Lwin Tun

AFTER an earthquake, it’s important to stay alert and follow safety precautions to avoid further risks. The follow­ing conditions should be aware;

Immediate Actions:

i. Check for Injuries: Ad­minister first aid if nec­essary and seek medical help for serious injuries.

ii. Be Aware of Aftershocks: Aftershocks can follow the main quake, so be prepared to take cover again.

iii. Avoid Damaged Build­ings: Stay away from structures that appear weakened, as they may collapse.

iv. Watch for Falling Objects: Broken glass, debris, and unstable furniture can pose dangers.

v. Turn Off Utilities if Need­ed: Shut off the gas if you smell a leak and avoid us­ing electrical switches if there are sparks or dam­aged wiring.

Safety Measures:

i. Stay Away from Beaches and Riverbanks: If near coastal areas, be aware of possible tsunamis and move to higher ground.

ii. Use Battery-Powered Devices: Listen to emer­gency broadcasts for up­dates.

iii. Avoid Driving Unless Necessary: Roads may be damaged or blocked.

iv. Check on Neighbors and Vulnerable Individuals: Help those in need, es­pecially the elderly and children.

v. Prepare for Possible Evacuation: Have an emergency bag ready with essentials.

In addition, after an earth­quake, the area may experience structural damage, injured individ­uals, disrupted utilities (electrici­ty, water, gas), and possible after­shocks. Buildings may be unsafe to enter, and there is a risk of fires, landslides, or tsunamis in coastal regions. Emergency services may be limited, and communication networks can be affected. People should stay alert, help others, and follow official instructions for safe­ty and recovery.