An earthquake is one of the most powerful natural events. It can happen suddenly, without giving people enough time to react. Within a few seconds, the ground beneath our feet starts shaking. Buildings may develop cracks, roads can be damaged and, in serious cases, lives and property may be lost. Such events naturally create fear, particularly when tremors occur repeatedly. However, if we understand why earthquakes happen and how we should respond, we can reduce unnecessary fear and protect ourselves through proper preparation.

At first, it may seem that the Earth is a solid and motionless body. We walk on it, build houses on it and depend on it every day. But deep inside, our planet is constantly changing. The Earth is made up of different layers. The outermost layer is called the crust, on which we live. Below it is the mantle, followed by the core.

The Earth’s outer layer is not one continuous piece. It is divided into several huge sections called tectonic plates. These plates are always moving, although very slowly. In most places, their movement is only a few centimetres in a year. We cannot feel this movement in our daily lives, but over thousands and millions of years, it can bring about major changes on the Earth’s surface.

These plates move in different directions. Some move towards each other, some move apart, while others slide past one another. Their movement is mainly linked to the heat and slow movement of material inside the Earth. When two plates push against each other, the rocks along their boundaries may become locked because of friction. Even though the plates cannot move freely, the pressure on them continues to increase.

With time, this pressure becomes too great for the rocks to bear. Suddenly, the rocks break or slip along a weak area inside the Earth’s crust. The energy stored in........

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