Earthquakes are natural phenomena that occur when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, resulting in seismic waves. They are primarily caused by tectonic movements along plate boundaries and fault lines, as well as volcanic activity and human activities such as mining and reservoir induced seismicity. The impact of earthquakes can be devastating, leading to structural damage, tsunamis, landslides, economic impacts, and human casualties. It is crucial for communities to be prepared with building codes, emergency kits, evacuation plans, and public education to mitigate the effects of earthquakes.
