By Dr Than Lwin Tun

EARTHQUAKES are one of nature’s most de­structive forces, capable of causing widespread devastation in a matter of seconds. While we cannot prevent earthquakes from occurring, we can significantly re­duce their impact through collec­tive awareness, preparation, and action. Natural disasters such as earthquakes strike without warn­ing, leaving behind trails of de­struction, sorrow, and loss. The ground shakes, buildings fall, and lives are changed forever within moments. In the face of such dev­astating events, individual efforts alone are not enough. It is only through collective action, the com­bined strength of communities, governments, organizations, and individuals that we can truly over­come the challenges and rebuild stronger than before.

When an earthquake hits, the immediate priority is saving lives. Rescue teams, medical profession­als, and volunteers must work hand in hand to provide emer­gency aid. This rapid response is only possible if communities are trained and prepared in advance. Therefore, collective prepared­ness such as earthquake drills, emergency plans, and shared knowledge can significantly re­duce the loss of life. Schools, work­places, and neighbourhoods must unite in practising these safety measures regularly.

After the initial shock, the path to recovery requires even more cooperation. Rebuilding homes, re­storing infrastructure, and healing from trauma take time and effort. Governments can provide funding and policy support, while local and international organizations offer technical assistance and relief sup­plies. Community members can participate in rebuilding efforts, support each other emotionally, and ensure no one is left behind. The power of unity becomes evi­dent when everyone, regardless of their background, works towards a common goal.

First and foremost, education and awareness are crucial. Many people are unaware of the signs of an impending earthquake or the safety procedures to follow. The offices, schools, and all communi­ties must join forces to educate the public about earthquake risks and safety measures. Regular drills, public campaigns, and the inte­gration of disaster preparedness into school curriculums can help ensure that everyone knows how to act quickly and calmly during an earthquake.

Secondly, building infrastruc­ture that can withstand seismic activity is essential. In earth­quake-prone regions, strict con­struction standards should be en­forced, and older buildings should be retrofitted to meet modern safe­ty codes. Architects, engineers, and city planners all have a role to play in ensuring that our built environment does not become a trap during a quake. Investing in resilient infrastructure today can save countless lives tomorrow.

Community cooperation is an­other powerful tool. Neighbours helping neighbours can make a significant difference in times of crisis. Forming local emergency response teams, establishing com­munication plans, and stockpiling essential supplies can improve survival rates and reduce cha­os during an earthquake. When communities come together to prepare, the impact of disasters is often greatly reduced.

Technology and science also offer valuable support. Early warn­ing systems, seismic monitoring networks, and mobile alerts can provide precious seconds or even minutes of warning, giving people time to take cover. Governments and private sectors should work together to invest in these tech­nologies and ensure they are ac­cessible to all.

Moreover, collective action plays a crucial role in reducing future risks. By learning from past experiences, communities can push for stronger building codes, improved early warning systems, and better land-use planning. Pub­lic education campaigns shared disaster data, and community-led resilience projects helped create a culture of safety and awareness.

In conclusion, while we may not be able to stop earthquakes from happening, we can certainly prevent their worst effects by pre­paring and acting together. Let us unite and take collective responsi­bility to make our homes, schools, offices and cities safer. By joining hands — before, during, and after a disaster — we can protect lives, rebuild communities, and emerge stronger. Let us all remember: to­gether, we are resilient. Together, we can overcome any disaster.